Arsenal transfer news: Napoli midfielder Jorginho ready to 'talk' about Gunners move if formal offer is made

Napoli star Jorginho's agent Santos has opened the door for a summer move to the English Premier League with Arsenal said to be interested in signing the midfielder. But the defensive midfielder's representative has made it clear that they will only open talks if an interested club registers a formal request in the form of an official offer.

Jorginho has been impressive for the Serie A title chasers this season making 27 league appearances thus far this campaign, and despite featuring in the defensive midfield role in all the games, he has managed to provide four assists to aid their challenge for the title and also qualify for next season's Champions League. Apart from the north London club, Spanish giants Real Madrid have also been credited with interest in signing the midfield star.

Arsene Wenger, whose future at the club has come into question in recent weeks, is certain to be in the market for a midfielder, as the Gunners are likely to offload the trio of Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky, who are all out of contract and Jorginho could fit in well with the team and compete for a place in the starting XI along with Francis Coquelin, Mohamed Elneny, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere.

The Brazilian-born but soon-to-be Italian international's agent has played down speculation regarding talks with English clubs, but indicated that they will be interested if a formal offer is made. Santos, however, made it clear that his client, who is contracted to Napoli until 2020, is happy to stay on and play for the Italians next season.

"It was in England that I was first asked about Jorginho but now everyone knows him and it's obvious that a lot of teams are following him. Then if his international call-up is confirmed it would only raise his profile further," Santos said, as quoted by the London Evening Standard.

"Newcastle United? No, Rafael Benitez has gone there. They probably need a player like him, but we haven't talked."

"Real Madrid and Arsenal know Jorginho, if they came forward with an official offer we'd talk but at the moment all I can say is that Jorginho has a five-year contract with Napoli and wants to play for them in the Champions League next year," the defensive midfielder's agent added.