Flamengo jewelry, Iago celebrates South American title under-20

Cruz Azul got straight to the point: it sent an official proposal to Flamengo and even called Arrascaeta's representatives. The response was firm. According to reports, the Rio de Janeiro club's board of directors vetoed any negotiations and reiterated that there is no intention of negotiating the midfielder at this time. The contact took place a few days after the end of Flamengo's participation in the Club World Cup, where the number 10 was the star player.

The Mexican attempt involved the possibility of taking him to play in the Intercontinental Cup in December. The only hypothesis raised by Rubro-Negro for a possible departure of Arrascaeta would be the full payment of the contractual fine. The amount is considered unrealistic by Cruz Azul: 50 million euros (around R$ 295 million at the current exchange rate).

ARRASCAETA MAY LEAVE FLAMENGO

Mexican sports director Iván Alonso was the one who led the talks. He even spoke with José Boto , Flamengo's football executive, but was told directly that the fine is non-negotiable and that there is no room for any type of payment in installments. Arrascaeta , 31, is the main name in the squad led by Filipe Luís.

TOP SCORER, PLAYER AND A NEW MOMENT FOR MENGÃO

The team's top scorer in 2025, he has 13 goals and six assists so far. His performance in the Club World Cup reinforced international interest and attracted attention, but Flamengo considers the Uruguayan an essential piece for the current sporting project. The player's contract runs until December 2026. Even so, Cruz Azul was betting on the possibility of seducing him with an ambitious project in Mexican football, where he would lead the reconstruction of the squad with a view to the international season.

Despite the various inquiries that have been coming in behind the scenes, Flamengo has maintained a cautious stance. The club is in a stable financial situation and does not feel pressure to negotiate with players. The board is even working to maintain the core of the squad at least until the end of 2025. José Boto made it clear internally that any negotiation will only be considered if the values are irresistible, which was not the case with the Mexican offer for Arrascaeta.

Flamengo takes to the field this Wednesday (19), at 5 pm (Brasília time), at Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami, to face Bayern Munich in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup. Before the ball starts rolling, Filipe Luís gave an interview and explained the main decisions made in the red-black lineup.

DECISIONS IN FLAMENGO'S FRONT

The coach bluntly praised the team's week of preparation and justified the changes in relation to the team that beat Chelsea in the previous round. One of the most talked about changes was the inclusion of Alex Sandro as a starter at left back. Ayrton Lucas, who played against Espérance and Chelsea, starts on the bench this time. Filipe explained that the choice was strategic, taking into account the tactical fit and the idea for the start of the match.

Another change involves the defensive system. Léo Ortiz returns to the starting lineup in place of Danilo, reinforcing the defense against an opponent with a very high technical level. The defender had been rested and now returns as a key player in the duel against Bayern. The choice reinforces Filipe's confidence in the depth of the squad, which has offered quality options in different areas of the field.

BRUNO HENRIQUE HAS AN OPTION

Despite expectations that Bruno Henrique could take over as a starter, especially after his recent good performances, the number 27 will start on the bench. Arrascaeta will continue to be a starter in midfield. Filipe was direct when talking about the decision. “It’s not a question of merit. Bruno Henrique is in great form, but we also think about the dynamics of the match. Having key players on the bench is part of the plan,” he explained.

The coach did not hide his satisfaction with the team's performance in training before the match. According to him, the days in Miami were valuable both for physical recovery and for technical and tactical adjustments.

Filipe Luís gave an interview upon arrival at Hard Rock Stadium for Flamengo vs Bayern Munich, which starts at 5pm (Brasília time) , for the round of 16 of the Club World Cup. The coach praised the team's preparation during the week, showed confidence and justified the changes in the starting lineup.

Filipe Luís on Bayern: "An opponent of the highest level, we feel privileged to have a duel of this size."

The coach chose to field Alex Sandro as the starting left-back, with Ayrton Lucas being the choice against Espérance and Chelsea. Another change in relation to the team that beat the English team is the return of Léo Ortiz in place of Danilo. Finally, Bruno Henrique was expected to replace Arrascaeta, but Filipe says that the choices are based on the plan for the beginning of the game and also for the second half, as was the case in the victory over Chelsea.

THE COACH HAS THE FLOOR

"We chose what we think fits best for the game plan. They are all key players and are in great form. We think they are the best for the game plan and also for the second half when needed," he said.

Filipe Luís praised Bayern Munich and celebrated the chance to face the Germans, without failing to highlight his confidence that Flamengo will be able to show its qualities.

"Very calm, everything prepared. We had a great week of training, very good days to recover energy and prepare for the game. Opponent of the highest level, we feel privileged to have a duel of this size. We know we will have the chance to show our football."