Arsenal could face a significant setback as two key players appear likely to leave the club, despite the impending arrival of Martin Zubimendi this summer.
On Tuesday, Arsenal reportedly secured the biggest transfer of the season so far by completing the surprise signing of long-time Liverpool midfield target Zubimendi. Although the deal was allegedly finalized in January, the Spanish midfielder will not join the Emirates until the summer, once the current season concludes.
However, the good news is tempered by reports suggesting that two of Arsenal’s top players could depart this month. According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Flamengo has entered negotiations with Arsenal for Jorginho, whose contract with the club expires in June.
With the midfielder nearing the final months of his deal, Flamengo hopes to sign him on a free transfer and is prepared to offer him a three-year contract. If Arsenal declines to release Jorginho early, he will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with Flamengo, joining the Brazilian side after his deal ends in the summer.
Flamengo is reportedly unwilling to wait until the summer and may abandon their pursuit of Jorginho if they cannot secure his transfer this month. The Brazilian club is banking on Jorginho’s positive relationship with Arsenal and the Gunners’ desire to offload his wages to facilitate his early release.
Jorginho isn’t the only player facing a potential exit, as Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported that Borussia Dortmund is considering a move for Oleksandr Zinchenko in January. Unlike Jorginho, Zinchenko has over a year remaining on his Arsenal contract, but the club is reportedly open to letting him leave.
The 28-year-old defender is said to be eager to move on, with talks already underway between his representatives and Dortmund. Arsenal is reportedly open to a loan deal with an obligation to buy for around €20 million (£16.9m).
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