Arsenal’s summer clear-out has begun in earnest after Jorginho officially confirmed his departure from the Emirates Stadium, bringing an end to his two-and-a-half-year stint with the Gunners.
The 33-year-old Italy international took to Instagram on Tuesday to announce his move to Brazilian giants Flamengo (3.73), posting an emotional farewell message that thanked Arsenal fans for making him feel “valued and loved” during his time in north London.
The Numbers Behind Jorginho’s Arsenal Career
Jorginho’s Arsenal (3.51) statistics tell the story of a player who became far more influential than many initially expected. Since arriving from Chelsea (21.10) in January 2023 for £12million, the midfielder made 79 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice and registering three assists.
His most memorable goal came in dramatic fashion against Aston Villa (34.17), where his stoppage-time strike deflected off Emiliano Martínez to secure a crucial victory that sent the away end into raptures.
Despite being 33, Jorginho remained a regular feature under Mikel Arteta, starting 34 Premier League matches across his two full seasons and appearing in 18 more as a substitute. His pass completion rate of 91.7% in the Premier League this season ranked among the highest for Arsenal midfielders, highlighting the composure and technical quality that made him such a valuable squad player.
Early Release Granted for Club World Cup
Arsenal have agreed to terminate Jorginho’s contract early, allowing him to join Flamengo ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on 15 June in the United States. The Brazilian club needed their new signing registered in time for the tournament, prompting the Gunners to show good faith by releasing him from his deal that was set to expire at the end of June anyway.
This pragmatic approach reflects Arsenal’s broader summer strategy, with manager Mikel Arteta confirming after the final day win against Southampton that several players would be departing as part of a “reset” ahead of next season.
Arteta’s Tribute to Departing Players
Speaking after the 2-1 victory over Southampton, Arteta paid tribute to Jorginho alongside other departing players including Kieran Tierney, Neto, and Raheem Sterling.
“It was important to win it, and important as well to say goodbye to a few players who have left our football club,” Arteta said. “To say thank you for their contribution.”
The Spanish manager was particularly complimentary about how the squad had coped with a demanding campaign that stretched their resources to the limit.
What Jorginho Brought to Arsenal
Initially signed as cover for the injured Mohamed Elneny, Jorginho quickly established himself as more than just a squad filler. His tactical intelligence and leadership qualities proved invaluable to Arteta’s system, particularly during Arsenal’s push for major honours.
The midfielder’s experience showed in crucial moments throughout his Arsenal career. Beyond the statistics, coaching staff regularly praised his vocal leadership during warm-ups and his ability to guide younger players through difficult periods in matches.
Even when not starting, Jorginho’s influence remained evident from the sidelines, where his organisational skills and constant communication helped maintain Arsenal’s tactical discipline.
Looking Ahead
With Martin Zubimendi reportedly close to joining Arsenal from Real Sociedad, Jorginho’s departure makes perfect sense for all parties. At 33, regular football at the highest level becomes increasingly important, and Flamengo’s offer provides him with exactly that opportunity.
Arsenal, meanwhile, can now focus their midfield resources on younger players who fit their long-term vision. The club’s willingness to facilitate Jorginho’s early departure demonstrates their commitment to squad planning and maintaining positive relationships with departing players.
For Jorginho, the move to Brazil represents a new chapter in what has been a remarkable career. After winning the Champions League, European Championship, and establishing himself at two of London’s biggest clubs, he’ll be hoping to add Brazilian silverware to his impressive collection.
His parting message to Arsenal fans suggested this might not be a permanent goodbye, hinting at a possible return to north London in some capacity in the future. For now, though, all eyes turn to how Arsenal will reshape their midfield ahead of what promises to be another demanding campaign.
