ARSENAL are reportedly lining up a shock bid for Chelsea vice-captain Jorginho.
Sky Sports claim the midfield playmaker, 28, has emerged as an alternative to Lyon’s Houssem Aouar and Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey.
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Jorginho has scored ten goals in 100 games for Chelsea following a £50million move from Napoli in 2018.
But his association with former boss Maurizio Sarri has seen him divide opinion amongst Blues supporters.
Jorginho’s first season at Stamford Bridge saw him sit at the base of a midfield three, playing simple passes while forcing N’Golo Kante into an unfamiliar attacking role on the right.
However, his game has transformed during Frank Lampard’s time in charge.
And some fans even feel Jorginho is a better partner for Mateo Kovacic than Kante these days.
He started Chelsea’s opening two Premier League games this season against Brighton and Liverpool.
And Arsenal are now believed to be weighing up an audacious approach after already landing Willian on a free transfer from their capital rivals.
However, Lampard sees Jorginho as an important part of his squad.
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The former Verona man has become a leader in the dressing room and was named Chelsea’s new vice-captain at the start of the 19/20 campaign.
Arsenal may therefore be best served by continuing to pursue one of Aouar or Partey.
Lyon playmaker Aouar is thought to be Arteta’s No1 midfield target.
But Arsenal have already had one bid rejected for the Frenchman and are struggling to put funds together for a new assault.
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Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid want £45m for the more defensive-minded Partey – despite their interest in a loan move for Lucas Torreira.
Arsenal could raise some funds by offloading Mohamed Elneny.
The Egyptian ace is wanted by Turkish duo Galatasaray and Trabzonspor.
And Elneny’s agent is believed to have jetted abroad to sort out his client’s future before deadline day.
