Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Mikel Arteta is reportedly making a last-ditch effort to convince Jorginho to sign a new contract as Arsenal brace for a major squad overhaul this summer. The Gunners are expected to be active in the transfer market, with reinforcements in attack and midfield high on the agenda.
Arsenal’s season has been plagued by injuries, significantly impacting their Premier League title challenge. The club is currently without a recognised striker following season-ending injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. As a result, the Gunners have been heavily linked with moves for Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko, while Martin Zubimendi is also rumoured to be a midfield target from Real Sociedad.
With new arrivals expected, Arsenal are also preparing for departures, and Jorginho is among the players likely to exit. The Italian midfielder has been heavily linked with Brazilian club Flamengo, as his contract is set to expire this summer.
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Reports suggest that Arteta had pushed for Jorginho to be retained, but Arsenal’s hierarchy decided against offering him a new deal. The club has allegedly identified seven players who will either be sold or released at the end of the season, with Jorginho included in that list.
Jorginho
Jorginho (Image credit: Getty Images)
The former Chelsea midfielder is reportedly in advanced talks with Flamengo over a potential three-year contract, which would make him eligible to play in the inaugural FIFA Super Club World Cup.
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According to Hand of Ozil, Flamengo are pushing hard to secure Jorginho’s signature. However, the 32-year-old also has offers from clubs in the UAE, Italy, and Japan. While nothing has been signed yet, Arteta is said to be making a final attempt to convince him to stay.
Jorginho has also attracted interest from Besiktas, Fiorentina, and Palmeiras but has rejected those offers in favour of a return to Brazil. Despite being born in the country, he has never played professionally there, having left for Italy at the age of 15.
After a successful career in Europe—winning major trophies with Napoli, Chelsea, and Arsenal—Jorginho appears set to return home for what could be the final chapter of his playing career. Earlier this month, he admitted that the prospect of playing in Brazil was an exciting one, hinting that a move to Flamengo could soon be finalised.
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