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Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has paid tribute to Declan Rice, insisting that the Englishman is 'always there for the team'. Rice arrived at the Emirates from West Ham United in the summer of 2023 for a reported club-record £105m fee.
The 25-year-old enjoyed an impressive debut campaign with the Gunners, registering seven goals and 10 assists from 51 games across competitions. Rice remains a first team regular for the north London side at the moment.
The Englishman's arrival has affected Jorginho's game time with Arsenal. The Italian midfielder joined the Gunners from Chelsea in January 2023, and has appeared nine times this season, six of which have been starts.
However, speaking to Rio Ferdinand on Rio Meets, Jorginho was full of praise for his teammate.
“For us as well, he’s been a massive [player] in terms of how much he’s been doing for the team. He has no problems and whatever happens he’s always there for the team. Pain here, pain there, it doesn’t matter [for him]. How much he gives us, it’s unbelievable,” said Jorginho.
Declan Rice has appeared 16 times across competitions this season for Arsenal, all of which have been starts. He missed one game due to an indirect suspension, and one game due to injury. The Englishman was also rested for the ties against Nottingham Forest and Preston North End.
When does Jorginho's contract with Arsenal expire?
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Declan Rice
Jorginho's contract with Arsenal runs out at the end of this season and he hasn't signed a new deal yet. However, the club reportedly have a one-year option in the deal.
The Italian midfielder has been in and out of Mikel Arteta's starting XI since arriving at the club. Jorginho has registered one goal and three assists from 61 games across competitions for the Gunners to date.
However, Declan Rice's form, coupled with Mikel Merino's arrival this summer, has already raised doubts about the 32-year-old's future. Recent reports have stated that Besiktas are keen to secure the services of the Italian midfielder.
The Turkish giants would prefer to sign the player in the winter transfer window. However, they are willing to wait until next summer for Jorginho, given that he could be available for free.
It has also been suggested that the Istanbul-based club are close to convincing the veteran midfielder to make the move in 2025. Interestingly, Thomas Partey's contract also expires at the end of this season, so Arsenal could look for midfield reinforcements in 2025.
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Edited by Ankush Das