Jorginho’s cheeky approach to Gabriel Martinelli comes full circle with Arsenal interest
The Chelsea midfielder clearly thinks highly of one Arsenal star in Gabriel Martinelli as reports emerge suggesting the Gunners are keen on bringing the Blues star to North London
Italy international Jorginho once tried to persuade Gabriel Martinelli to repesent the Azzurri and could soon consider himself a club team-mate of the winger as Arsenal take an interest in the Chelsea midfielder.
The Gunners winger has since established himself as a Brazilian international and represented the Selecao at the Qatar World Cup, but has previously revealed how the Blues ace tried to entice him into choosing Italy as his national team.
Martinelli holds a dual Brazil-Italian citizenship, while Jorginho could have donned the yellow of Brazil but in the end the pair ended up making opposite choices. Asked if anyone had tried to get him to represent Italy, Martinelli name-dropped the Chelsea ace.
“No-one spoke to me, only Jorginho once said to me, ‘I hope to see you in March’, something like that, but no-one [official] spoke to me, no.” He told Globo, adding: “As I’ve said before, my dream was always to play for Brazil. I was just waiting for the opportunity to play for Brazil.”
Jorginho could be seeing Martinelli very soon if reports are to be believed, with the winger’s club side Arsenal emerging as a shock suitor of the Italian European Championship winner.
The Gunners are desperate for midfield reinforcements with Mohamed Elneny expected to be ruled out for the remainder of the league season and boss Mikel Arteta is a well-documented admirer of Jorginho.
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a move for Jorginho ( Image: Getty Images)
Back in the summer transfer window of 2020, Arsenal were strongly linked with a move for Jorginho but instead opted to strengthen their midfield with the signing of Thomas Partey.
Any deal for the Chelsea midfielder would mean the Gunners have given up hope on luring first-choice target Moises Caciedo.
Despite the fact the 21-year-old has openly admitted he wants to leave, his club Brighton have stood firm in their stance he is not going anywhere before the window shuts.
The Seagulls have already rejected two formal bids from Arsenal for their talented midfielder, with the most recent proposal thought to be worth £70million including add-ons.
It is likely the Gunners will have to smash their club transfer record if they are to stand any chance of signing of Caicedo, who has been told to stay away from Brighton’s training complex until after the window has shut.
In turn, Jorginho has become a far cheaper alternative that manager Arteta could seek to bring in to the Emirates to help the Gunners chase down a first league title since 2004.
[READ NEXT] Sergio Aguero delivers Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea transfer verdict as Todd Boehly eyes £115m deal
Enzo Fernandez has been Chelsea’s priority transfer target throughout the January window with the Blues now pushing to secure his signature ahead of Deadline Day
Sergio Aguero delivers Chelsea transfer verdict as Todd Boehly eyes £115m Enzo Fernandez deal (Image: Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Former Manchester City and Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero believes Enzo Fernandez has already proven he can play in the Premier League. football.london understands Chelsea have held fresh talks with Benfica over a move for the Argentina international as they look to secure a £115million deal for the midfielder.
The Blues have shown a willingness to pay Fernandez’s £105million release clause with reports suggesting the club are open to paying £10million more in order to structure the payments over a series of separate instalments – opposed to one lump sum. The 21-year-old has already agreed personal terms and is prepared to travel to London to complete the necessities ahead of a move to Stamford Bridge should Benfica accept Chelsea’s offer.
Todd Boehly and other members of the board are leading negotiations with Benfica president Rui Costa having changed his plans to hold an internal meeting and make a final decision on Fernandez’s future. Chelsea could move on Conor Gallagher to raise funds in their pursuit of the Argentinian midfielder, with Everton having submitted a £45million bid for the Blues’ star, football.london understands.
Fernandez won the Young Player of the Tournament award for his performances at the World Cup, resulting in Chelsea pursuing a deal for the Benfica star. Aguero told Stake.com: “Enzo has proven he can play in the top leagues of the world.
“From my understanding, it’ll be a short time until he arrives either to the Premier League or La Liga. We’ll have to wait for summer to tell. But it’s a safe bet to say he’ll be the target of the biggest clubs out there.
“The thing is, the World Cup can be a great display window. You can really tell who are the players that make a difference, and there’s obviously a boost to the champions too.
“Maybe we’ll see Enzo Fernandez in the Premier League soon. The World Cup’s best young player award is nothing to scoff at.
“There are many other players from Argentina that will show their worth soon. Brighton signing Buonanotte, Maximo Perrone arriving to my dear Manchester City… There’s a new generation that is adding a lot to the Premier League and in numbers not seen before.”
Chelsea will push until the end to sign Fernandez as they hope to avoid a summer transfer window bidding war for the midfielder. Graham Potter has already added seven new players to his squad, although Malo Gusto will not officially become a Blues player until the summer after returning to Lyon on loan until the end of the season.
SOURCE: football.london, mirror.co.uk
