Flamengo slam door on Cruz Azul’s €50m Arrascaeta bid | OneFootball

According to Globo, Cruz Azul has initiated a move for Flamengo’s attacking midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta, but the Brazilian club has made its stance unmistakably clear: there is no interest in parting ways with their number 10. The Mexican side, fresh off a CONCACAF Champions League win and eyeing prominence at the upcoming Intercontinental Cup in December, formally approached Flamengo on June 13, sending an official document outlining their intent to open negotiations.

Cruz Azul’s interest in Arrascaeta is both strategic and ambitious. The club aimed to position the Uruguayan as the marquee signing for their December campaign and the next phase of their project. Initial contact included a call from sporting director Ivan Alonso, who reached out not only to Arrascaeta’s representatives but also to Flamengo’s executive director, José Boto.

Boto confirmed the discussions, explaining that Alonso had expressed Cruz Azul’s desire to begin talks after the conclusion of the ongoing Club World Cup in the United States. However, Boto was unambiguous in his response: “There was indeed contact from Cruz Azul through their sporting director, (Ivan) Alonso. He called me, we talked a bit, and he said he’d get back to me after the Club World Cup. I told him they’d have to pay the release clause, which is quite large (laughs). We have no interest in selling. In fact, we aren’t looking to negotiate for any players. And we don’t have that need, which is good,” Boto told Globo.

Arrascaeta, now 31 and the principal playmaker under Filipe Luís this season, has delivered impressively—leading Flamengo with 13 goals and six assists in 29 appearances. He remains a pivotal figure, wearing the number 10 shirt, with a contract running until late 2026. His reported release clause stands at €50 million. While discussions regarding a contract renewal were initiated earlier in the year, Flamengo’s board halted them in May, citing other priorities—specifically, contract situations involving teammates like Matías Viña, whose deal expires in December.

Despite international interest, Flamengo appear determined to retain a core already proving successful on the pitch, especially during a strong Club World Cup run. Unless Cruz Azul—or another suitor—activates the daunting €50 million buyout clause, Arrascaeta looks set to remain a Flamengo player for the foreseeable future.

Sources: Globo

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