Arsenal are among the clubs exploring a possible move for Chelsea midfielder Jorginho before the transfer deadline.
The Premier League leaders are very light on cover for first-choice holding midfielder Thomas Partey, with Mohamed Elneny absent through injury.
Arsenal have now expressed an interest in Italy international Jorginho. There are other names thought to be in the mix but with the transfer deadline just over 24 hours away, Arsenal are aware that time and options are running out.
Jorginho’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer, which means Chelsea are at risk of losing the 31-year-old for nothing if he does not leave on a permanent transfer in this window.
Chelsea are trying to push through a move for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez before tomorrow’s deadline, which would push Jorginho further down the pecking order in west London. Any move Arsenal make for Jorginho may well depend on the success of Chelsea’s efforts to secure Fernandez.
Jorginho would provide Arsenal with significant experience as they try to win the title this campaign. He has won the Champions League and Europa League with Chelsea, while he also won the European Championship with Italy in 2020.
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Follow transfer deadline day with The Athletic
The January transfer window shuts at 11pm GMT (6pm ET, 3pm PST) on Tuesday, January 31 — and our reporters will bring you all the news and analysis from the Premier League and across Europe as clubs scramble for late reinforcements.
Keep track of the Premier League business done so far, get the latest from David Ornstein on the deals in the pipeline and read our club-by-club guide to the moves that could yet happen.
Follow deadline day with our dedicated live blog and join us in the newsroom via our socials @TheAthleticFC as we bring you live feeds at 8am and then 10pm for the crucial final moments of the winter window.
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