The Flamengo football club is inching closer to securing a deal for midfielder Jorginho from Arsenal, with recent meetings indicating significant progress in negotiations. On Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Flamengo board, led by director of football José Boto, met with Jorginho's staff to finalize the details of a potential three-year contract.
According to sources, including journalist Gabriel Reis, the discussions centered around the financial aspects that had previously stalled the agreement. Both parties have shown willingness to compromise, and the atmosphere during the meeting was reportedly positive. The dinner took place at Casa Tua, a restaurant in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, where Boto and Jorginho's intermediary, Carlos Eduardo Baptista, discussed the figures involved in the deal.
Flamengo is eager to finalize the signing of Jorginho, who is expected to be a key reinforcement for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to take place from June 14 to July 13, 2025, in the United States. The club aims to have Jorginho join their ranks well before the tournament, ideally by mid-May, to ensure he is fully prepared for the competition.
Jorginho, who is currently 33 years old, has a contract with Arsenal that runs until June 30, 2025. However, he may be released earlier, as he has not been a regular starter under manager Mikel Arteta. This season, he has made 24 appearances, with 14 of those as a starter, contributing one goal. The Gunners are still in contention for the UEFA Champions League, facing Real Madrid in the quarter-finals on April 8 and 16, 2025.
Recently, Jorginho traveled to Rio de Janeiro during the FIFA international break to introduce the city to his fiancée, Catherine Harding. The trip not only served a personal purpose but also played a crucial role in the negotiations, as Catherine has reportedly become an ally for Flamengo in their pursuit of the midfielder. Jorginho expressed his fondness for the Brazilian club, stating, "I came here on vacation," when asked about the ongoing talks.
Despite Flamengo being his priority, Jorginho has not ruled out other options, including lucrative offers from clubs in the Middle East and potential opportunities in the United States. This uncertainty has prompted Flamengo to expedite their negotiations, as they seek to finalize the deal before other clubs make their moves.
The expectation is that a comprehensive agreement will be reached in the coming days, with another meeting scheduled for early April to iron out the final details. Flamengo's president, Bap, will need to give the green light on the financial terms presented by Boto.
Jorginho's move to Flamengo represents a significant step in his career, especially as he looks to return to Brazil, where he has never played professionally. His past includes stints with Hellas Verona, Napoli, Chelsea, and Arsenal, and he has also represented Italy at the international level, winning the UEFA Euro 2020 and participating in the Euro 2024.
As Flamengo prepares for the Club World Cup, the club's management is optimistic about bringing Jorginho aboard. With the player’s experience and talent, he is seen as a vital addition to the squad. The club has reportedly offered a contract worth approximately 10 million euros net of taxes for three years, which translates to around 13 million euros in total for the club. This would mean an annual salary of about 3.3 million euros (approximately R$ 20.3 million), or around R$ 1.6 million per month.
In summary, the negotiations between Flamengo and Jorginho are progressing well, with both sides eager to reach a conclusion. With the FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon, Flamengo is determined to secure Jorginho's services, making this a pivotal moment in the club's preparations for the prestigious tournament.
