Arsenal man Jorginho will bid farewell to the Emirates Stadium this summer, with the Italian international joining Brazilian side Flamengo on free transfer.
The 33-year-old, signed by Arsenal from Chelsea in January 2023 for a fee of £12 million, has been traveling back and forth for two years, making 78 appearances for the side. Though his initial arrival had a few fans raising eyebrows, stability and leadership in midfield later proved to be a blessing for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Jorginho signed a one-year contract extension during the summer but his future was put in limbo. Now, since his current contract expired in June and an extension agreement wasn’t secured, the veteran midfielder has chosen to depart.
🚨🔴⚫️ Jorginho set to join Flamengo on free transfer, here we go!
Plan confirmed since January and deal set to be sealed for the midfielder who’s leaving Arsenal in June.
Three year deal until 2028 at Flamengo verbally agreed, as @venecasagrande reports. Jorginho said yes. pic.twitter.com/jx0WWVk7T7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2025
Flamengo Move Confirmed for Jorginho
Brazilian news outlets inform Jorginho signed a three year contract with Flamengo, remaining at the club until 2028. The midfielder has been seen in Rio de Janeiro of late, and this sparked rumors of a transfer. Flamengo were after Jorginho in the January transfer window also. But their last-minute desperation offer was turned down by Arsenal, who did not want to lose the experienced midfielder midway through the season. Arteta would have liked to keep him as a player to hold on to during the title run.
But with this campaign’s game time so low — a sum total of only nine Premier League appearances — and nothing in the way of developments on the contract front. Jorginho decided to go back home in order to wrap up the rest of his playing career. In January, Jorginho discussed the possibility of playing in Brazil:
“I have never played professionally in Brazil, so it would be an amazing experience for me. That door is open too, of course. Keep all the doors open and make a calm decision about what to do in the future.”
Jorginho is recovering from a lung injury but could play again before the season ends. Either way, his imminent departure guarantees more midfield reshuffling at Arsenal. The Gunners are also mulling over Thomas Partey’s future, whose contract this summer will run out. The Ghanaian midfielder has been linked with La Liga and Saudi Arabian clubs. Yet, Arsenal have not given up hope of negotiations.
Talking of negotiating terms for a new contract last month, Arteta confirmed:
“Yes, there is progress with all the players. I’ll leave that to [sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the club to decide and to talk about.”
Zubimendi Targeted as Replacement
In anticipation of these midfield exits, Arsenal are actively working to secure the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The Spanish international has a €60 million (£51m) release clause, and Arsenal are reportedly prepared to trigger it in June.
Zubimendi, 25, was of interest to Liverpool at one point. However, he turned down an offer to go to the Premier League last summer in order to stay in Spain. The summer might be when he does depart, however, with Arsenal now said to be at the very forefront of the queue for the Spanish midfielder.
🚨 Arsenal agree deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, here we go! ❤️🤍
Zubimendi has now verbally agreed to sign a long term deal… so formal steps must follow soon with Arsenal to trigger €60m clause.
Zubi, ready to become the first signing of the new season. pic.twitter.com/yzYJOydstE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 10, 2025
Jorginho’s departure signals the end of a short but considerable stint at Arsenal. Although not always a regular in the side, his experience, professionalism, and dressing-room influence were important qualities during his north London stay. His move to Flamengo also includes a personal highpoint: being able to finally play for a Brazilian club, his birthplace in which he never played professionally.
Arsenal now look ahead to the upcoming frenetic transfer window and new challenge in the Premier League. Their own midfield is being transformed root-and-branch — and Jorginho’s departure is only the start.
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