By Gabriel Agbonlahor

18th Oct, 2023 | 2:26pm

Agbonlahor can't believe Jorginho could quit Arsenal for Euro giants in January

Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will “definitely” keep Jorginho at the club for the entirety of the 2023-24 campaign despite links to Barcelona.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Mohamed Elneny is “not at the level” – meaning the Gunners need the 31-year-old ex-Chelsea man as Declan Rice’s backup.

According to ESPN (10 October), Jorginho is a target for Barcelona ahead of the January transfer window as Xavi searches for midfield reinforcements.

The Italy international only joined Arsenal in January 2023, costing a reported fee of £12million upon his arrival from Chelsea.

Jorginho has made eight appearances across all competitions, starting in two of those outings.

One start came in the crucial 1-0 win over Man City earlier this month, a sign of how much the midfielder is trusted by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

His contract is set to expire at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think if you look at that game against Man City, no one expected Jorginho to start.

“But he did, and he did well.

“When you’ve got Thomas Partey’s injury problems, if you let Jorginho go you could be left with Declan Rice and no one else.

“Mohamed Elneny is not at the level to play in the Premier League.

“You need Jorginho’s experience and his abilities in the title race.

“I think he’s a player Arteta will definitely keep for the whole season.”

In other news, midfielder’s transfer pact with Arsenal revealed.