BARCELONA are looking to repeat their Ilkay Gundogan transfer tactic to grab Arsenal midfielder Jorginho on a free, according to reports.
The Italian midfielder’s contract is set to expire next summer where he will be able to move to another club as a free agent.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo report that the Catalan side are looking to use the free agency market as a way around the financial issues that have plagued them in recent years.
Barcelona beat Arsenal to the signing of Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer this summer after identifying him as a long term target.
The Catalan club are now keen on Jorginho as they look for a midfielder that can help control the tempo of the game and maintain posession.
With Jorginho’s contract expiring next summer, Barcelona will be able to approach the midfielder in January to sign a pre-contract at the club.
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Arsenal’s signing of Declan Rice has seen Jorginho fall further down the pecking order at Arsenal, but the injury to Thomas Partey could see Arteta rely on the Italian more after the international break.
Jorginho had been linked with a move to Fenerbache in the closing days of the summer window but his agent, Joao Santos moved to quash the rumours.
He told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli: “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.
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“If there is an Italian team that needs Jorginho and his characteristics we will see what will happen. A possible future for Juve? In modern football you can’t say he will be playing for one team or another.
“We can talk to all the teams looking for a player with his characteristics.”
Jorginho will likely be looking for a move if his playing time at Arsenal does not pick up after Thomas Partey’s injury.
Luciano Spaletti left Jorginho out of his first Italy squad since becoming national team manager last week.
Jorginho has been virtually an ever-present member of the national side since his first call-up in 2016 and will be looking to get back into the squad ahead of next summer’s Euros.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
