Flamengo technical director José Boto has insisted that they will only sign Jorginho from Arsenal once the European season is over.
Itatiaia cover comments from Boto today as he continues to talk about a potential move for Jorginho in the summer.
The midfielder has long been linked with a move to the Brazilian club, with his current deal at Arsenal set to expire in the summer.
The Gunners are reportedly keen to sign him to a new deal, but the 33-year-old seems to have his eyes on a move to Brazil to conclude his career.
A deal with Flamengo has been advancing for months, with them determined to add him to their squad before competing in the Club World Cup in the summer.
It’s yet to be done, though, and Boto admits it won’t be finalised until the European season is finalised.
“If Jorginho comes, it will be after the season in Europe ends. I hope it will be in time for the World Cup,” he is quoted saying to the Flazoeiro channel.
The rumours have continued nonetheless, with Flamengo manager Filipe Luís consistently asked about the potential arrival.
He’s refused to be drawn on that and insists Boto hasn’t mentioned anything new, even if he is an admirer of the Arsenal midfielder.
“I didn’t know about this news,” he said.
“I speak to Boto every day and he didn’t tell me about it. Jorginho is an Arsenal player. I can’t talk about players who aren’t from Flamengo.
“He’s a great player; I have a lot of respect for him. It’s good that Flamengo is looking at this type of high-level player to be able to improve our squad even more. But at the moment, I don’t know.”