Flamengo and Jorginho’s representatives have already reached an agreement despite the player’s agent denying as much, according to a new report from Brazil.
Popular Brazilian YouTuber Paparazzo Rubro-Negro reports that Flamengo and Jorginho are getting closer and closer to a formal agreement, with the deal “well underway” on Sunday night.
According to the report, everything was agreed between the club and the player’s representatives during a dinner with Flamengo director Jose Boto and Carlos Eduardo Baptista at the Casa Tua restaurant over the weekend.
That meeting supposedly sorted issues such as the length of the contract and the finances involved, with everything on track for the Italian international to join as a free agent this summer.
The information somewhat conflicts with recent quotes from Jorginho’s agent Joao Santos.
After Jorginho was spotted in Rio, Santos claimed that the player was only there for a vacation, adding that he’d hold talks with various clubs and Arsenal next month.
“From April 15, I will begin talks with clubs in England, including Arsenal, as well as teams from Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil,” Santos said.
If that’s true, then any claims that the deal was sealed in a meeting on March 30th can’t hold much water. But perhaps the situation changed, given the supposed dinner took place after Santos spoke to the media.
As it stands, Jorginho will be out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, at which point he can sign for a new club on a free transfer.
Jorginho has made 24 appearances for Arsenal this season, including 14 starts from the Gunners’ 45 available fixtures. The Italian international hasn’t missed a single squad through injury or suspension, he’s just not part of Mikel Arteta’s first-choice midfield at this stage.