Arsenal star ‘very close’ to joining Besiktas

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho is “very close” to joining Besiktas, according to sensational reports in Turkey.

The 32-year-old is due to become a free agent when his contract at the Emirates Stadium expires next summer and Besiktas are reportedly in negotiations to sign him on a free transfer.

FootballTransfers understands that Jorginho is currently considering his future at Arsenal, with the Italian set to be offered the chance to extend his stay in north London by a further 12 months.

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However, Besiktas are “very close” to convincing Jorginho to join the club on a free transfer next summer, according to Turkish news outlet Sabah.

The former Napoli and Chelsea midfielder has only racked up 369 minutes of action in all competitions so far this season and although he could sign a contract extension at Arsenal, he is reportedly open to a move to Besiktas.

Jorginho joined the Gunners in January 2023, but he has played a bit-part role since his move from Chelsea and a departure is now on the cards amid the impending end of his current deal.

In addition, FootballTransfers has also been told that Jorginho could move into a coaching role amongst Mikel Arteta’s backroom staff, but it remains to be seen if he is willing to end his playing career in 2025.

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Jorginho on future coaching role

News of Jorginho’s possible move to Besiktas comes following his recent admission that he is keen to become a coach when his playing career ends.

In September, he told reporters: “I came to Arsenal and they asked me if I would like to do my [coaching] badges. At the beginning I was like: ‘No, I don’t want to be a coach.’ They were like: ‘Are you sure? Why not do it just to have it?’

“First session, I fell in love. I was like ‘Oh no, why did I do it? Now I’m in trouble.’ I think I will go for it. I think so. To be on the pitch and be with the players, it was so satisfying.

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“When you see things coming out, working out the way you expected to. So good. Being on the pitch and actually seeing the potential there. It’s different.

“I think football is in a constant evolution and it’s going to be changing always. It’s never going to stop. It was different when I started, it was different in the middle, and when I’m going to finish, it’s going to be different.”