Arsenal midfielder 'expected' to sign new contract after positive talks

Jorginho is expected to sign a new contract with Arsenal after holding positive talks with the club, a report has revealed.

The 32-year-old midfielder is in the final few months of his existing deal but Arsenal do have the option to extend that by a further 12 months.

However, according to The Athletic, Arsenal are not looking to trigger that clause and instead plan to tie Jorginho down to a new deal after opening contract talks with the Italy international.

A new deal would put to end significant speculation around Jorginho's future as the veteran's agent has routinely spoken of a possible return to Serie A for his client.

"We're in no hurry," agent Joao Santos told TV Play last month. "Would Jorginho like to return to Italy? Yes, of course, because he grew up in Italy and he likes everything about the country."

The Gunners have started working on summer extensions and recently opened talks with centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, who still has three years on his current deal but is set to be rewarded for his emergence as a key figure in the team.

Elsewhere, sporting director Edu and his assistant, Jason Ayto, made a visit to Saudi Arabia last week, sparking further speculation about possible sales.

That meeting, however, is understood to have been more of a general introduction with Saudi Pro League officials, rather that talks over any summer departures.

Arsenal are expected to be in the market for a new striker this summer, although the need to bolster in attack has reduced thanks to the recent form of Kai Havertz. Left-back is thought to be an area of concern for manager Mikel Arteta, who is also understood to be keen to land a new midfielder.

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