Arsenal have reportedly blocked Jorginho’s potential move to Brazilian side Flamengo during the winter transfer window but are expected to part ways with the veteran midfielder in the summer.
The 33-year-old has been seeking more first-team opportunities this season, having made 20 appearances across all competitions under Mikel Arteta. However, he has started just six Premier League matches, fewer than right-back Ben White, who has been sidelined with injury for the past three months.
Jorginho, who was born in Brazil but represents Italy internationally, has been heavily linked with a return to his homeland. According to Fabrizio Romano, Flamengo, the reigning Copa do Brasil champions, approached Arsenal for a January transfer but were met with a firm refusal.
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Flamengo had hoped to bring the Champions League winner to Rio de Janeiro for free, as Jorginho’s contract with Arsenal expires in six months. The midfielder has reportedly begun negotiating a pre-contract agreement with Flamengo for a free transfer this summer, per Gianluca Di Marzio.
While there remains a slim chance that Jorginho could move to Rio before Monday’s deadline, it would only happen if Arsenal manage to secure a replacement defensive midfielder, which currently seems unlikely.
Instead, the Gunners have been focused on bolstering their attack, with multiple bids for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and interest in Evan Ferguson, though the latter has moved to West Ham United.
Arsenal are also monitoring Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, who has already snubbed Tottenham Hotspur, though they face competition from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa for his signature.
While Arsenal’s winter transfer business remains uncertain, it seems Jorginho is likely to stay until the summer before moving on.