World News – UA – Arsenal’s hopes of signing midfielder fade as Chelsea take Jorginho decision

Arsenal look set to be thwarted in their attempt to sign a new midfielder before the transfer window closes, with Chelsea refusing to allow save target Jorginho moves to north London

Mikel Arteta had made strengthening his midfielder a priority this summer, targeting ambitious actions for Lyon destroyer Houssem Aouar and Atletico Madrid Thomas Partey

However, the Gunners were unable to raise the funds to pay Aouar, who was valued at around £ 40million, while Atleti was adamant Partey could only leave if his gigantic release clause was triggered in its entirety

This prompted Arsenal to explore other options, with the club probing Chelsea on a potential deal with Italy international Jorginho

But The Athletic reports that the West London club will not allow Jorginho to leave Stamford Bridge this summer as they do not want to strengthen a rival

Chelsea themselves don’t have many midfield options and allowing the 28-year-old to leave would only have been considered if they had managed to persuade West Ham to sell Declan Rice

Frank Lampard has also shown no sign that Jorginho is not on his plans, starting former Napoli against Crystal Palace on Saturday – the penalty specialist scoring twice on the spot

The bad news for Arsenal is that the club don’t expect to sign any further goals before Monday’s deadline, with Arteta having to settle for his current options

Arsenal currently only have three central midfielders to choose between: Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Dani Ceballos

Despite the lack of options, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi will be allowed to go on loan, with the duo due to join Atletico and Hertha Berlin respectively – the Gunners have even lost loan fees for the latter, such is their desire to ship it

MORE: Mikel Arteta tells Nicolas Pepe how to secure a starting spot after playing in Arsenal win over Sheffield United

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