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Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has reportedly turned down interest from Lazio with Thomas Partey now more likely to leave the club, according to reports.
A report earlier this month from La Lazio Siamo Noi said Lazio boss Mauricio Sarri is looking to reunite with his former Napoli and Chelsea player.
Mikel Arteta is expected to completely transform his midfielder over the summer. The Spanish manager is eager to sign Declan Rice from West Ham and could offload Partey, Jorginho and Granit Xhaka, who is set to join Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £13million.
As well as Rice, Arteta is looking at Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, who will probably only be signed if Jorginho or Partey follow Xhaka out of the exit door.
The departure of Jorginho now looks a lot less likely. Standard Sport say he is expected to ‘survive’ Arteta’s ‘overhaul’ this summer.
Jorginho only moved to the Emirates in January and will ‘snub interest’ from Lazio to stay at Arsenal, the report states.
The Italian has ‘told friends he is comfortable in London’ and wants to be a success at Arsenal after winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021.
His contract expires in 2024, though Arsenal have the option to extend Jorginho’s stay until 2025.
It is said that Arteta would be willing to get rid of Partey, however, with Rice expected to come in and become first choice in the Ghanaian’s position.
The reliable David Ornstein has said the club and player are working on a deal with interest coming from Saudi Arabia.
