Arsenal star decides to leave club after failed contract talks

Jorginho has decided he will leave Arsenal as a free agent in the summer transfer window.

The 33-year-old midfielder has made 78 appearances in all competitions and proved to be an invaluable member of Mikel Arteta’s dressing room since joining Arsenal from London rivals Chelsea for a fee of £12million in 2023.

But Jorginho’s current contract – which he signed last May – is due to expire at the end of the season and talks over a possible extension at the Emirates have reached a complete standstill.

Jorginho had initially pushed to be granted early access from Arsenal in January, but the Gunners rejected a late approach from Brazilian outfit Flamengo, with Arteta keen to keep hold of the Italy international for the second half of the campaign.

There was still some hope at Arsenal that Jorginho could be convinced into staying for a further 12 months and the player’s agent confirmed he would hold negotiations with the north London outfit this month.

‘From April 15, I will begin talks with clubs in England, including Arsenal, as well as teams from Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil,’ Jorginho’s representative Joao Santos said at the end of March.

According to Fabrizio Romano, these discussions have come to nothing and ‘it will be over between Arsenal and Jorginho in the summer’.

Jorginho – who has made just nine league starts this term – was pictured in Rio de Janeiro just last month and the vastly experienced playmaker has been open with his desire to return to the country of his birth in the twilight years of his career.

It’s understood Flamengo are ready to offer Jorginho a three-year deal and the midfielder has spoken personally with head coach Felipe Luis – the former Chelsea defender – over a proposed move.

Jorginho has been identified as Flamengo’s primary target to replace Chile international Erick Pulgar, who is expected to depart in the summer.

Palmeiras have also been credited with a strong interest but have fallen behind Flamengo in the race to capture the Euro 2020 winner.

Arsenal are confident of wrapping up a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of the 2025/26 campaign and talks are progressing over a possible renewal for Thomas Partey.

Asked whether there had been any development with Partey last week, Arsenal head coach Arteta told reporters: ‘Yes, there is progress with all the players.

‘I’ll leave that to [sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the club to decide and to talk about.’

Pressed for greater clarity on Partey’s situation, Arteta said: ‘The intention is very clear.

‘I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward.’

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