Arsenal could be set to lose veteran midfielder Jorginho to Brazilian side Flamengo amid Mikel Arteta’s futile attempts to get the board to renew the player’s existing deal. The 33-year-old is swiftly closing in on 600 career club appearances and the Gunners’ board see this as the perfect time to move on from his services. He has played 73 games for the club, contributing two goals and three assists as well.
Arteta sees Jorginho’s presence as crucial for a young dressing room filled with budding stars. To add fuel to the fire, Flamengo are reportedly preparing a bid for the midfielder, which they are looking to submit before the Brazilian transfer deadline of February 28. The Italian’s contract expires on June 30, meaning the player can depart the club for free post that.
However, as things stand, Flamengo will face no obstacles if they wish to sign Jorginho on a pre-agreement contract. The club are in a good position with negotiations but it remains to be seen whether Arteta and the board can reach an agreement as to what to do with the player’s future.
Importance of a veteran in the dressing room
Arsenal have recently gone through a phase where certain players were not an ideal influence on the younger players, with Mikel Arteta actively forcing said players out of his plans, and eventually the club. It is of paramount importance that the Gunners create an environment of learning, camaraderie and happiness for all the youngsters so they develop on the right path.
With the squad’s average age hovering around 25 in the last few seasons, Jorginho was seen as the perfect member. His Brazilian heritage made him one of the go-to seniors for Arsenal’s substantial Brazilian contingent, while he also built good relationships with former Chelsea teammate Kai Havertz and fellow Italian national teammate Riccardo Calafiori.
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Owing to this, Arteta will be compelled to put his case forth for keeping Jorginho at the Emirates Stadium.
