FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder

With the limited financial capability of FC Barcelona still evident, the club have had to find ways to improve their playing squad without splashing the cash.

They no longer have the funds to splash €100+ million on a striker like Bayern did with Harry Kane or like Chelsea did with star midfielder Moises Caicedo,

Instead, they operated on a restricted budget. Landing the signings of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez on a free transfer, it appears as though they’re planning another swoop next summer.

According to Mundo Deportivo via The Sun in England, Barcelona are targeting Arsenal midfielder Jorginho, planning to move for the Italian when his contract expires with the Gunners next summer.

Arsenal already have Jorginho’s replacement in Declan Rice

Jorginho has found minutes hard to come by this season following the arrival of Declan Rice who moved across London from West Ham in a deal worth over €122 million.

Thomas Partey has also surpassed the 31-year-old Italian, although his recent injury may open up an opportunity for the defensively reliable Jorginho.

The Italian only signed for Arsenal at the end of the 2023 January transfer window but has played just 17 games for the Gunners, and Mikel Arteta was adamant about bringing Rice to the club this summer.

With his contract expiring next summer, Barcelona can approach the agents of Jorginho in January 2024, with the Italian able to sign a pre-contract with the current La Liga champions.

Barcelona already have a holding midfielder in Romeu

Barca elected to sign Romeu this summer from Girona, but that was always considered a stop-gap option. Reports this morning have linked Barca with a move for Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Moscardo, but any deal for the 17-year-old will be with an eye to the future.

Jorginho is certainly an upgrade over Romeu, despite the seasoned midfielder starting well for Barcelona during the current campaign.

I’m not sure Xavi will want two veteran central midfielder on the wage bill, so if Jorginho is a realistic target it may mean that Romeu’s stay at Barca is a brief one.

Jorginho’s agent did speak to radio Napoli about what the future may hold, and I’m sure there will be plenty of Italian teams interested in signing him for free:

"“This year he stays at Arsenal, then we can’t know what will happen next season.“For now he is focused on playing two very important competitions such as the Premier and Champions League with the Gunners. Italy is always in our hearts, never say never."