Arsenal Transfer News: Jorginho Agent Fuels Rumours, Daniele Rugani Latest

Arsenal have been given a boost in their reported pursuit of Napoli midfielder Jorginho after his agent suggested he could be open to a move in January.

The Gunners were recently reported to have scouted Jorginho when Napoli played Genoa in a 0-0 draw on Sunday, per Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Metro's Tom Olver).

The 23-year-old's agent, Joao Santo, has now indicated that a healthy offer from Arsenal would be considered by Napoli, per Radio Crc (via Sam Long in the Evening Standard):

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I don’t know if the Arsenal scouts were in Genoa for Jorginho. 

I’m not surprised that the player is doing very well - especially in light of the change of coach - and that top clubs are interested in him. 

One of the head scouts of Arsenal is well-known, and so I know he was at Marassi for the Napoli match. Right now we’re more thinking about Jorginho at Napoli than the transfer market. 

I’m in Brazil, and when I’m back we can discuss my client’s contract. The priority is getting a call-up for the national team, then there’s the January transfer market. 

If Napoli receive an irrefutable offer for Jorginho in January then it’s normal that we’d make our assessments.

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As can be seen below, Jorginho is a very accomplished defensive midfielder:

The 23-year-old could provide much-needed cover and competition for Francis Coquelin at the Emirates.

The Gunners are in terrific form at the moment and are tied on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City.

But they look to be lacking the depth needed to mount a genuine title challenge throughout the season.

Jorginho has played a key role for Napoli this term as they have lost just once in Serie A under new manager Maurizio Sarri, the Brazil-born midfielder turning out in 10 of their 11 matches, per WhoScored.

Per Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Olver), Napoli coud be persuaded into selling Jorginho if Arsenal offered a fee of around £22 million.

Given how little business the north London side did in the summer—Petr Cech was the only major addition to the squad—Arsenal could undoubtedly afford such an outlay.

Jorginho could be a very valuable addition in January because Arsenal's back-up for the excellent Coquelin is currently poor.

Arsenal are manoeuvring themselves into a fine position to potentially win a first league title since 2004 this season. But manager Arsene Wenger may squander his chance if he does not strengthen further in January.

At 23, Jorginho would be a good long-term buy, but he could also make an immediate impact at the Emirates.

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Similarly, out-of-favour Juventus defender Daniele Rugani could be a good addition in the new year to add depth to Arsenal's centre-back ranks.

The 21-year-old was previously linked with Arsenal in the summer, per Italian outlet Calciomercato (via Sport Witness).

According to Gianluca Di Marzio (via translator David Amoyal), Rugani could be available for loan in January, but Fiorentina and Napoli are leading the race to sign him from Juve.

If Wenger wants to sign the Italian youngster for a short-term spell he will need to register his interest soon.

But it seems likely that Juventus would prefer to send Rugani overseas to Arsenal than loan him to Serie A rivals Napoli or Fiorentina.