Arsenal will take Jorginho from Chelsea on deadline day but his arrival could lead to Mikel Arteta letting the rest of the squad go.

Arsenal’s move for Jorginho could see Albert Sambi Lokonga leave the Emirates Stadium amid his lack of game time.

Lokonga joined ahead of last season but has struggled for opportunities this term amid the Gunners’ bid for the top of the Premier League. Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard have been Mikel Arteta’s preferred midfield duo.

With the trio remaining largely injury- and suspension-free, Lokonga was forced to settle for a place on the bench. But he could now be offered an exit, with Jorginho set to arrive at the Gunners on deadline day.

Arsenal are closing in on a £12m move for the Chelsea star, which would put Lokonga further down the pecking order. With Jorginho on his way to the Emirates, Arteta may be ready to leave Lokonga on loan.

According to the Daily Mail, that has peaked interest from Crystal Palace, who are now in talks with Arsenal over a possible loan deal for the 23-year-old. His chances will improve if he moves to Selhurst Park and Arsenal will hope he can find his best form.

Palace currently sit mid-table in the Premier League, but have won just once since the top flight returned after the World Cup. That has led boss Patrick Vieira to turn to his former club in a bid to increase their wealth.

The Frenchman has limited options in midfield and has been eyeing Chelsea star Conor Gallagher in most of the transfer window. But with Gallagher uninterested in returning to the Eagles, Vieira has now turned his attention to Lokonga.

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson hailed the decision to sign Jorginho, insisting his experience could be key as the Gunners chase their first title win for 19 years. “I think it’s amazing. You buy experience too, he’s won big trophies, he’s a proper midfield player,” he told Sky Sports.

“We were just talking two years ago he won the Champions League, Italy won the Euros, we thought ‘why England don’t produce one of these players’. Two years later, Arsenal did.

“I know he’s two years older, but he’s very intelligent, he’s going to protect the back four and he’s giving it away simply. He’s going to feed Odegaard, he’s going to feed Saka and Martinelli. For me he’s a top signing.

“And he knows his game. He knows he’s not going to play every week. He knows if everyone is fit he’s not going to play. But he will bring that experience and that composure, he never panics on the ball.”