Arsenal identify Chelsea ace as potential transfer target

Arsenal have earmarked Jorginho as a potential midfield target, suppose they are unable to land either Thomas Partey or Houssem Aouar before the transfer deadline.

Partey was deemed as the Gunners' prime target earlier this summer, but a deal has failed to materialise over the past few months with Atletico Madrid reluctant to sell him for anything less than his £45m release clause.

Meanwhile, Lyon have also played hardball in the negotiations for Aouar and they are adamant that the Frenchman won't be sold, unless the Gunners come up with an offer of more than £50m.

With just three days remaining in the international transfer window, the club are running out of time to sign either Partey or Aouar and ESPN claims that Jorginho is the alternative option for them.

The Italy international was tipped to join Manchester City in the summer of 2018 when Mikel Arteta was the assistant manager, before the Blues hijacked the deal at the 11th hour.

Jorginho has experienced a mixed spell with the Blues over the past two years and they could be willing to sanction his departure with Frank Lampard keen on recruiting Declan Rice from West Ham United.