Arsenal midfielder Jorginho is expected to leave Arsenal at the end of the season but there are issues standing in the way of a slightly earlier departure for the veteran
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Jorginho in action for Arsenal
Jorginho's Arsenal contract expires in the summer(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has travelled to Brazil as negotiations over a Flamengo move continue. However, it has been claimed that a contract clause could stand in the way of him completing an early move to the Rio de Janeiro club.
Brazilian-born Italy international Jorginho is under contract at Arsenal until June 30, with the option for another year. He appears set to move on, though, having moved down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.
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The 33-year-old has featured in just 12 of Arsenal's 29 league games this season, with many of those outings coming as a substitute. He has played just twice in the league since January 4, though he did start the Champions League round of 16 second leg against PSV Eindhoven.
It was reported in February that Jorginho had signed a pre-contract agreement with Flamengo, though this has yet to be confirmed. With Flamengo in Club World Cup action in mid-June, though, there has been talk of him heading to South America before the end of that month.
According to Goal Brasil, the main sticking point is a loyalty bonus. Jorginho would have to forfeit the sum if he leaves Arsenal before June 30, and the same publication indicates Flamengo might need to cover the sum themselves to force a deal through early.
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The same publication notes that Flamengo are keen to hold talks with Arsenal's incoming sporting director Andrea Berta. Former Atletico Madrid transfer chief Berta is understood to have reached an agreement with the Gunners, though they have not yet formally announced his arrival.
The key date to be aware of is June 16. That's when Flamengo kick off their Club World Cup campaign with a group match against Esperance, followed by a clash with another of Jorginho's former clubs, Chelsea, and a final group game against Mexico's Club Leon.
Flamengo players celebrate winning the 2025 Campeonato Carioca
Flamengo don't know if they will have Jorginho on board for the Club World Cup
Jorginho helped Arsenal secure back-to-back second place runs under Mikel Arteta after joining in January 2023. Another runner-up finish looks likely this term, but the former Napoli star hasn't given up on reeling in runaway leaders Liverpool.
“You can answer that question yourself - we are going to keep going, for sure. We have to keep going," Jorginho said at the end of February when asked about Arsenal throwing in the towel after losing ground in the title race.
“This is no time to give up. We have to believe and keep pushing. We’re focused. We know how hard we are working. We’re pushing the same way. We are still believing. Everyone believes. We’re together. We’re going to keep going.”
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