Arsenal could be set for significant changes in their squad this January transfer window, as reports indicate that two key players may leave the club despite the excitement surrounding the signing of Martin Zubimendi, who will join this summer.
On Tuesday, Arsenal shocked the footballing world by completing the highly-anticipated signing of Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The Spanish international, long linked with a move to Liverpool, has opted to join Mikel Arteta’s side instead. The deal is reportedly finalized, but Zubimendi will remain with Sociedad until the end of the current season before making his move to the Emirates in the summer.
However, alongside this major acquisition, Arsenal face the prospect of losing two experienced players who have been integral parts of the squad. Brazilian outlet Globo reports that Flamengo has opened negotiations with Arsenal to secure the services of Jorginho. The Italian midfielder’s contract with Arsenal is set to expire in June, and Flamengo is keen to bring him in without paying a transfer fee.
Flamengo is reportedly prepared to offer Jorginho a three-year deal. They hope that his positive relationship with Arsenal, combined with the club’s potential desire to reduce their wage bill, will lead to his early release. While Jorginho is free to negotiate a pre-contractual agreement with Flamengo to join them in the summer, the Brazilian club is eager to finalize the move this month. Should Arsenal decide against releasing him early, Flamengo may abandon their pursuit and explore other options.
Jorginho’s departure would mark the end of his brief but impactful stint at the club. He joined Arsenal in January 2023, becoming a crucial part of Arteta’s midfield. However, the arrival of Zubimendi, alongside the emerging prominence of players like Declan Rice, suggests that Jorginho’s playing time could diminish. This has likely motivated both the player and the club to consider an amicable separation.
In addition to Jorginho, Oleksandr Zinchenko is reportedly attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund. According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Bundesliga giants are exploring a deal for the Ukrainian international. Unlike Jorginho, Zinchenko has over a year remaining on his current contract. Despite this, Arsenal is said to be open to letting him leave, potentially on loan.
Zinchenko, 28, has been a versatile and dynamic option for Arsenal, often playing as an inverted full-back under Arteta’s system. However, with competition in the squad and a desire for more regular playing time, Zinchenko is reportedly open to the idea of a move. Talks between his team and Dortmund have reportedly begun, and the deal could involve an initial loan with an option to buy in the summer.
The potential departure of these two experienced players raises questions about Arsenal’s strategy for the remainder of the season. While Zubimendi’s impending arrival is undoubtedly a significant boost, the loss of both Jorginho and Zinchenko could leave gaps in the squad, particularly in terms of leadership and depth.
Arsenal is in the midst of a competitive Premier League campaign and is also contending in other competitions. With Gabriel Jesus sidelined due to a long-term injury and the team’s reliance on young talent like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, maintaining squad depth and experience is crucial.
Mikel Arteta will need to weigh the pros and cons of allowing these departures, considering the financial implications, squad morale, and the team’s ability to compete at the highest level for the rest of the season. Arsenal’s ambitions for domestic and European success mean that every decision made in January could have far-reaching consequences.
As talks progress for Jorginho and Zinchenko, Arsenal fans will hope that any exits are carefully managed and that the club has plans in place to reinforce the squad if necessary. Arteta and the management team will be under pressure to ensure that the Gunners remain competitive, regardless of any changes to the squad during this pivotal transfer window.
Ultimately, the departures of Jorginho and Zinchenko, should they happen, would signal the beginning of a new phase in Arsenal’s evolution under Arteta. With Zubimendi set to join in the summer and other potential targets likely to be identified, the club is positioning itself for long-term success. However, the immediate impact of losing key players mid-season must be carefully mitigated to maintain momentum and avoid disruptions to their campaign.
As the January transfer window unfolds, Arsenal supporters will be closely watching how the club navigates this critical period. Whether it’s the arrivals of new players, the departures of established stars, or the integration of young talent, every move will shape the trajectory of the club for the remainder of the season and beyond.
