Arsenal star emerges as surprise Barcelona 'target' as La Liga giants want free transfer

Jorginho is open to joining Barcelona on a free transfer at the end of the season, according to reports.

Arsenal stumped up £15million to lure the midfielder from Chelsea just over a year ago. A slow start led many fans to question whether Jorginho was a solid fit for Mikel Arteta’s style.

However, the 32-year-old has proven a useful player for the Gunners as they launch another bid for the Premier League. On Monday, Jorginho played in the deep-lying midfield role, allowing Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to charge forward and get on the scoresheet.

Freeing up Rice to play as a No.8 is a useful tactic - that Jorginho provides - for Arteta against lesser opposition. But his contract - worth a reported £110,000 per week - is set to expire at the end of the campaign.

Arsenal do have an option of an extra year and, at 32, the Italian international could still perform as a key squad player next season. Reports in Spain are claiming Barcelona are keen to sign Jorginho as they plan a summer rebuild.

The financial situation at the Camp Nou remains bleak, with suggestions that every player is up for sale at the right place. Jorginho arriving on a free transfer would be a shrewd move while Barca chiefs try to balance their books.

Sport report that club director Deco is against signing players aged 30 or over but could make an exemption for Jorginho. The Catalans are not expected to make any big-money additions unless they offload star assets like Frenkie de Jong or Ronald Araujo.