Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has “agreed” a salary with Flamengo, according to reports in the Brazilian media.

The former Chelsea player is out of contract at the end of the season, and he is free to discuss terms with other teams.

Jorginho is an Italian international but he was born in Brazil and he seems tempted to make the switch back to his homeland.

Bolavip claim that the 33-year-old has not formally signed a pre-contract agreement yet but there is growing optimism that he will be in Flamengo’s squad for the Club World Cup.

Arteta is a huge fan of Jorginho

Speaking about his contributions back in December, manager Mikel Arteta praised the Italian for his ability to come into the starting eleven and do a job when required:

“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.”

Jorginho’s lack of game time, though, has likely contributed to him weighing up a move to Flamengo. He has only started 6 Premier League games this campaign.

Arsenal have a replacement lined up

Jorginho may also feel surplus to requirements due to stories linking the Gunners with a move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.

It was suggested last month that the London club have all but sealed the signature of the 25-year-old, although reports since then have rowed back somewhat on those claims.

If Zubimendi does arrive in the summer, he would essentially take Jorginho’s place in the squad.