Arsenal midfielder Jorginho is reportedly close to agreeing a pre-contract deal with Flamengo ahead of a free transfer to the Brazilian outfit this summer.
The former Chelsea man extended his Gunners contract last year, but his existing terms only run until the end of the season, meaning that he is currently free to speak with foreign clubs.
Jorginho's terms do include a 12-month extension option until the summer of 2026, but Arsenal are expected to seal a deal for Real Sociedad lynchpin Martin Zubimendi when the summer window reopens.
As a result, Jorginho will continue to be a bit-part player under Mikel Arteta, even if Thomas Partey - also in the final six months of his deal - moves on at the end of the 2024-25 campaign too.
Despite tentative talk of a return to Italy for the Euro 2020 winner, Brazilian clubs are believed to be showing the most interest, and Sky Italia now claims that Flamengo are on the brink of striking an agreement.
Jorginho set for South America move after Arsenal exit?
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The report claims that the South American giants have made progress in their efforts to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with Jorginho, who will see out the season with Arsenal before heading across the Atlantic.
Separately, Gianluca Di Marzio claims that Jorginho will put pen to paper on a three-year agreement with Flamengo until the summer of 2028, and the club were initially hopeful of striking a deal in January.
However, Flamengo wanted to sign Jorginho for free this month as well rather than paying Arsenal a nominal fee, meaning that the 33-year-old would have either had to terminate his contract with Arsenal or have the Gunners let him leave for nothing.
As Arsenal are not expected to sign another midfielder before welcoming Zubimendi to the Emirates, they have no plans to let Jorginho go this month and intend to see out the season with the ex-Chelsea man in the ranks.
Nevertheless, Jorginho is now 'very close' to giving Flamengo the final thumbs-up, and the Brazilian-born lynchpin will leave Arteta's side after two-and-a-half years of service.
Has Jorginho's time at Arsenal been a success?
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One of a few veteran players to cross the Arsenal-Chelsea divide - see Olivier Giroud and David Luiz - Jorginho's time in North London ought to be viewed in a highly positive light.
The Italy international would not have arrived at London Colney with the expectation of starting every week, but when called upon, he has demonstrated his everlasting class, composure and technical skill at the base of the midfield.
This time 12 months ago, Jorginho went through a memorable purple patch with masterful performances in home wins over Newcastle United and Liverpool, and for just £9.5m, the 33-year-old's acquisition will go down as one of Arteta and Edu's successes.
Jorginho has two goals and three assists under his belt from 72 games for Arsenal, not to mention his memorable long-range strike against Aston Villa in 2023, which cannoned off the crossbar and Emiliano Martinez's head into the back of the net.
The Italian scored his first goal of the season from the penalty spot in Wednesday's 2-1 Champions League win over Girona, and he has also captained the Gunners in three Premier League matches this term.
Ben Knapton
