Arsenal star to LEAVE despite rejected January bid

Cameron Smith

2 Feb 2025 11:38 CST
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho is reportedly set to sign a pre-contract agreement with Flamengo ahead of a free transfer move to the Brazilian giants this summer.

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The Italy international has less than six months remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium and he is now expected to leave the club in July.

FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are interested in extending Jorginho’s deal, while he has also been offered the chance to join Mikel Arteta’s backroom staff if he decides to end his playing career in 2025.

However, the 33-year-old is now on the verge of reaching an agreement over a pre-contract with Flamengo, according to Sky Sports.

Flamengo were interested in signing Jorginho this month, but Arsenal swiftly rejected their advances, as per Fabrizio Romano, and are now working on a deal to bring him to the club this summer.

Jorginho has made 20 appearances in all competitions so far this season, but he has only started six Premier League matches this term, while he has been an unused substitute on 16 occasions in 2024-25.

What has Mikel Arteta said about Jorginho?

In December, amid Joirginho’s lack of Premier League action, Arteta was asked about the Italian’s importance at the Emirates Stadium.

"I always mention his biggest quality is his capacity to make others better. Last season was the same.

“At the start there were less games, we didn't play that many midweek matches and he had less minutes. But I told him to be ready because there is going to be a time, and it is not going to be in one week you have to play, you are going to play now or tomorrow.

“The way he prepares is top so when he needs to play he is ready.”

Jorginho has made 72 appearances for Arsenal, since joining the club from Chelsea in January 2023, and his Estimated Transfer Value (EV) currently stands at €4.5m.