Arsenal all in on Jorginho after failed Houssem Aouar pursuit — reports

Earlier reports claimed that Arsenal viewed Chelsea vice-captain Jorginho as a fallback option should their attempts to get either Thomas Partey or Houssem Aouar end in failure.

But that appears to be the case now indeed, with Olympique Lyonnais refusing to negotiate for the latter after their self-imposed deadline of Saturday afternoon passed, while Atlético Madrid are unwilling to let former depart for anything less than his €50m release clause.

So, as per ESPN, Arsenal have turned their attentions back to Jorginho, whom they believe they have a realistic chance of signing. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is particularly keen to strengthen his midfield before the transfer window closes, with Matteo Guendouzi unlikely to have a future at the Emirates and Lucas Torreira on his way to Atlético Madrid.

The report further claims that Chelsea would be reluctant to allow Jorginho to depart without signing another defensive midfielder, but with Lampard wanting one already, this could be just the impetus needed for Chelsea to go and sign Declan Rice or Thomas Partey.

Just a little over 48 hours to go before the summer transfer window closes, and it’s all starting to get quite juicy!