Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Jorginho Rumours and Raphael Guerreiro Approach

The agent of Napoli midfielder Jorginho has insisted that he’d be keen to discuss a potential transfer with Arsenal should the chance arise.

Speaking to Radio Crc (h/t Samuel Stevens of the Independent) Joao Santos spoke about a possible move following a wonderful campaign for the player. When asked about rumours about a switch to Newcastle United, the player's representative stated there has been interest from more illustrious names.

“They [Newcastle] probably need a player like him, but we haven’t talked,” said Santos. “Real Madrid and Arsenal know Jorginho, if they came forward with an official offer we’d talk, but at the moment all I can say is that Jorginho has a five-year contract with Napoli and wants to play for them in the Champions League next year.”

The 24-year-old has been one of the standout players this season in a Napoli squad this season that has mounted a title challenge. Here are some of his best moments:

Arsenal’s midfield may need to improve at the end of the season, too, especially if Tomas Rosicky, Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta—whose contracts all expire in the summer—leave the club. It makes any pursuit of a player like Jorginho, who is young, hungry and extremely influential, a sensible one.

As these statistics from OptaPaolo show emphatically, the former Verona man is a lynchpin in this Napoli team:

As you’d expect from a player with Brazilian and Italian roots, Jorginho is a technically gifted midfielder who can keep possession, distribute with ease and up the ante in Napoli’s play. While Gonzalo Higuain’s stunning goalscoring has hogged a lot of headlines this term, Jorginho’s the player who knits together this exciting outfit.

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Additionally, as these numbers from WhoScored.com’s Ben McAleer illustrate, he’s a player who goes hunting for the ball, too:

A player who is so multifaceted would be ideal for Arsenal, and it seems there may have already been some tentative enquiries about his availability. However, Santos also suggests he’s a player who is content with life in Naples and looking forward to the challenge of the Champions League next season.

Arsenal Want Raphael Guerreiro

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Le 10 Sport (h/t Tom Olver of Metro) stated that Arsenal have been in touch with Lorient defender Raphael Guerreiro about a potential move.

The left-back has also been linked with Liverpool after impressing in Ligue 1 this season. Olver noted that the Gunners already have strong positive links with the French side after a deal was done to bring Laurent Koscielny to the club in 2010.

Here is a look at what the 22-year-old could add to Arsene Wenger’s team:

A Portuguese international, Guerreiro is an attacking full-back who possesses a lot of pace, energy and composure when he gets into the final third.

BT Sport’s French football expert Julien Laurens provided a brief insight into what the player could offer, insisting he’s well-suited to an intense style of football, as Jurgen Klopp has sought to implement at Liverpool:

Arsenal are pretty well-stocked when it comes to left-backs. Nacho Monreal has had a brilliant 2015-16 season so far, providing an assured presence in both defence and attack. In reserve is Kieran Gibbs who, as a very talented player in his own right, will feel a little disappointed to have fallen down the pecking order at the club.

Still, Guerreiro is clearly a very talented footballer who could add a renewed vigour to the left side. Getting regular minutes is crucial for his development at this point, though, meaning any pursuit would surely spell the end for either Monreal or, more likely, Gibbs.