Barcelona could steal midfielder Mikel Arteta 'loves' after Gavi injury blow

Barcelona have identified one Arsenal star as a short-term replacement for Gavi, it has been claimed.

Earlier on Monday, Barcelona confirmed that Gavi would have to undergo surgery after landing awkwardly on his knee during Spain's 3-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Georgia on Sunday.

The 19-year-old could be facing up to nine months on the sidelines after suffering a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament and an associated injury to the lateral meniscus.

As a result, Barcelona are lining up a move for Gunners midfielder Jorginho to help provide cover for Gavi, according to ESPN.

The report adds that the Catalan giants are keen to sign the 31-year-old on a free transfer in January, with Arsenal having been open to offers back in the summer.

Jorginho, who moved to the Emirates from Chelsea for a fee of £12 million last January, played an important role in the Gunners' title challenge last season, when the north London side narrowly fell short to Manchester City.

However, the Italian has seen his minutes reduced this season following the big-money arrival of Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham for £105 million.

Five of Jorginho's 12 appearances have come from the bench this term, and he may welcome the opportunity to test himself in Spain.

Speaking about the midfielder after Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in September, Mikel Arteta admitted he 'loved' Jorginho.

Despite giving away possession in his own half and gifting Tottenham their second goal, the Gunners boss was full of praise for the Euro 2020 winner.

"What happened is I love him and we love him. Errors are part of football," the Spaniard told reporters via Goal).

"They’re allowed to make errors because they play and we don’t play. For us it’s really easy, but if there is someone who is willing to help the team and do the most of it, it’s Jorgi. We are all with him."