The last thing that Arsenal need as they head into the final couple of months of the 2023/24 Premier League season is one of their player’s agents talking up a move for their client.
Such is the way of football these days, however, that this is exactly what’s happened.
Mikel Arteta will be trying to run a tight ship, ensuring that his young Gunners have a laser like focus for zeroing in on the English top-flight title.
With those teams around them having domestic cup distractions as well as European games to play, it could favour the North Londoners, and the Spaniard will surely be looking for even the most minute detail to help them in their quest for honours.
Jorginho remains a valued member of the Arsenal squad
Although he’s not necessarily been utilised as much as he’d probably like this season (25 games in all competitions, six starts in the Premier League according to WhoScored), Jorginho is still believed to be a valued member of the Arsenal squad.
At 32 years of age he’s getting no younger, but he provides a calm and experienced head when required.
To that end, his agent Joao Santos’ words are, at best, unhelpful.
“He’d suit Lazio more, for the presence of coach Sarri who already knows his characteristics very well, but also Juve who have a great director of sport like Cristiano Giuntoli, who he spent many years with at Napoli,” he said to TV Play (h/t Goal).
“I would not rule out a return to Napoli with new coach Calzona, who used to work with Sarri before that.”
The Gunners might well decide to cash in of course, but they will ultimately decide whether to do so, rather than being backed into a corner because of the whims of an agent whose only real desire is to make more money.