Jorginho already planning next transfer away from Arsenal with contract expiring in summer

JORGINHO could be on the verge of returning to the Serie A as his Arsenal contract enters into its final eight months.

GettyJorginho has revealed he intends to play in his native Italy before retirement[/caption]

GettyThe Italian midfielder is dwindling into the final eight months of his contract[/caption]

While not a guaranteed starter since then, Jorginho made 14 Premier League appearances during the second half of last season, as the Gunners narrowly missed out on the title to Manchester City.

This term, the Italian has had more of a prominent role and has captained the side for the last three matches in the absence of Martin Odegaard.

The midfielder’s deal is set to expire next summer, and while there is an option to extend it for a year, his future is firmly up in the air.

If Jorginho doesn’t agree new terms, he can talk to non-British clubs over signing a pre-contract agreement in January.

Speaking ahead of Italy’s Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia, he said: “I’m very much in doubt, I would like to return to Italy.

“But I don’t know when the right time would be.

“I want to return yes, but I don’t know when, I feel I still have things to do at Arsenal.

“It always takes time when you change teams, but the first six months at Arsenal were not negative, on the contrary.”

The former Chelsea star is attracting interest from Lazio, AC Milan and his former side Napoli.

Meanwhile, La Liga giants Barcelona are also reportedly targeting the Euros 2020 winner in order to fill in for the departed Sergio Busquets.

Jorginho has started in four of the Gunners’ last five matches, including last month’s 1-0 victory over City.

He is keeping his options open, though, and is enjoying his time at the Emirates as they look to mount another Premier League title challenge this season.

The midfielder beat England in the 2020 Euros finalRex