Arsenal identify World Cup star as latest midfield target following Jorginho arrival

Arsenal are said to be eyeing up further midfield additions in the summer, following the arrival of Jorginho from Chelsea.

Mikel Arteta added winger Leandro Trossard and Polish defender Jakub Kiwior earlier this month, before sealing the transfer window with the signing of Jorginho on deadline day.

The Gunners boss made clear his desire to sign an extra midfielder in January, following concerns over an injury to Mohamed Elneny.

After failing to sign Brighton star Moises Caicedo, the club were forced to look elsewhere, eventually deciding on midfield maestro Jorginho.

The Italian arrived for a fee in the region of £12million, penning an 18-month deal which would keep him at the club until 2024.

However, many fans already realise he is likely to be a temporary solution, with further midfield recruits necessary in the summer.

Arsenal targeting Alvarez

A new report from The Athletic has revealed Arsenal's interest in signing Ajax star, Edson Alvarez.

The Mexico international, who featured for his country at the World Cup, can play as a holding midfielder or in the heart of defence, making him an attractive option to Arteta.

The report claimed that Arsenal 'considered' a late move for the 25-year-old, but have discussed the idea of signing him this summer instead.

He has been with the Dutch club since 2019, making 127 appearances since then, including 24 this season.

The report also claims that Arsenal approached Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and were willing to trigger his £54million release clause.

But the 23-year-old was keen to stay with the Spanish side, meaning the Gunners could return for him at the end of the season, too.

Rice to Arsenal?

Meanwhile, Arteta is thought to remain interested in signing West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.

The 24-year-old has been rumoured with a move away from the Hammers this summer after he turned down a new contract, and the Emirates could be his next destination.

According to The Guardian, the prospect of moving to the Emirates Stadium and working under Arteta appeals to Rice, with the Spaniard having "drawn up plans for where the West Ham captain would fit into his team."

After seeing the Arsenal boss transform the Gunners into title contenders, he is convinced that his coaching would make him a better midfielder, claims the report.

Topics: Arsenal, Jorginho, Premier League, Transfers, Football, Mikel Arteta

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno