Arsenal midfielder Jorginho in advanced talks to join Brazilian side Flamengo… with agreement close on a free transfer this summer

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho is in advanced talks over a move to Flamengo.

The Brazilian club have made no secret of their desire to sign the 33-year old, having made an approach in December, but they are now close to agreement on a free transfer.

Jorginho has been recovering from a punctured lung after being injured against Brentford last month.

Though born in Brazil, Jorginho moved to Italy as a teenager and has been capped 57 times by the Azzurri.

He joined Arsenal from Chelsea for £12million in 2023.

Arsenal are looking to strengthen their midfield and are in advanced talks to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £60m this summer.

They have opened talks over a new deal for Thomas Partey.

Jorginho has featured 26 times in all competitions this season, scoring once, and has made 78 appearances in total since arriving from Stamford Bridge.

Earlier this season, Mikel Arteta lavished praise on the veteran for helping to ‘make others better’ and being ready to play when called upon.

‘That is his quality,’ Arteta said. ‘I always mention his biggest quality is his capacity to make others better. Last season was the same.

‘At the start there was less games, we don’t play that many midweek matches and he had less minutes. 

‘But I told him to be ready because there is going to be a time, and it is not going to be in one week you have to play, you are going to play now or tomorrow.

‘The way he prepares is top so when he needs to play he is ready.’