As per Globo Esporte, Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has surprisingly turned down a lucrative offer from Brazilian outfit Flamengo as transfer negotiations have stuck midway.
The veteran star joined the Gunners from Chelsea in 2023 and has since made 70 appearances in all competitions. He has become a leader in the dressing room, and his experience has helped the team on several occasions.
Jorginho’s current contract ends this summer, and as per reports, he is seeking pastures somewhere else. The Euro 2020 winner has collected just six appearances this season.
Jorginho turns down fresh Flamengo approach
Brazilian outfit Palmeiras and Flamengo have expressed interest, but the former is yet to present an offer. Meanwhile, the latter has picked up pace and are the front runner in this race. The Rio de Janeiro-based club has presented a three-year contract worth €10 million (£8.5m) for Jorginho.
However, Globe Esports has stated that the former Chelsea midfielder has demanded €13 million (£11m). Due to this, the transfer talks are at a standstill.
Arsenal are still trying to convince Jorginho to stay, as he remains a vital player for their squad. His expertise in the middle of the field can help Mikel Arteta, and the manager has revealed earlier that he wants to keep him at the club. The Spanish boss said:
“I want to have these conversations much later because the focus has to be on what we have to do in the season. They [Jorginho and Partey] are such a value in the squad. I want to keep them as well with the right mind frame.”
Jorginho was also asked about the latest links to Flamengo and he said:
“Football is full of surprises, but my full focus is next game with Arsenal. I don’t even pay attention to the rumours. It’s a possibility to return to Brazil, I never played there so it’s an open door for the future.”
🚨🇧🇷 Jorginho on Flamengo links: “Football is full of surprises, but my full focus is next game with Arsenal. I don’t even pay attention to the rumours”.
“It’s a possibility to return to Brazil, I never played there so it’s an open door for the future”, told TNT. pic.twitter.com/zc1nWWu0uf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 24, 2025
But the Gunner’s transfer strategy is giving mixed signals as they are closing in on Martin Zubimendi. The Real Sociedad star is seen as a replacement for either Partey or Jorginho. But the former’s versatility and form hint that it is unlikely that they are making room for him.
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Jorginho’s urge to play regularly is logical since he wants to fix his spot in the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup campaign. His future will be a major talking point as the January transfer window picks up heat.
