Chelsea

Chelsea turned down swap deal that involved Serie A title winner

Chelsea were not interested in swapping Jorginho for Miralem Pjanic

According to Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Metro), Chelsea were offered the chance to sign Miralem Pjanic in exchange for Jorginho.

The Blues were, however, not interested and passed on the opportunity. Then managed by former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, the Italian was keen to link up with Jorginho for the third time.

“Juventus had offered a swap deal including Miralem Pjanic, but the English side didn’t take it into consideration.”

The duo initially made a name for themselves at Napoli. When Sarri moved to Chelsea in 2018, Jorginho too was brought in to impose his vision of football.

Maurizio Sarri signed Jorginho while at Chelsea

According to the report, the player’s agent, Joao Santos, believes his client could have been tempted to make a move had Sarri not been sacked. The 61-year-old lead Juventus to the Serie-A title but his failure in the Champions League all but settled his fate.

“Would he have moved to Juventus with Sarri? I think so.”

He was replaced soon after, effectively ending Juventus’s interest in Sarri as we know it.

Pjanic has since moved to Barcelona. The 30-year-old is a solid player but is not someone who would add much to the Chelsea midfield. More so, given his age, he was not going to be a long-term investment. The Blues’ refusal to take him on is understandable.

Juventus have offered Miralem Pjanic in exchange for Jorginho

End of the road?

Jorginho’s future at the Bridge has been a constant source of debate since he joined the club. Although his performances picked up under Frank Lampard, the Italian was conspicious for his absence post the restart.

In fact, it took injuries to N’Golo Kante, Billy Gilmour, and Mateo Kovacic to see his return to the starting lineup.

Where he stands with the new season closing in remains to be seen. Santos admitted that his client is happy at the club. He will however look at other options if he ceases to be a first team player. (h/t Metro)

“If Chelsea were to think that he is no longer part of the project, I would find an alternative solution.”

Jorginho has been found wanting at times

More Chelsea News

Jorginho is by no means a bad player. He is, however, a poor fit for our system, especially so given his lack of pace.

The Italian is a seasoned campaigner who can be a solid player in the right system. Whether that will be at Chelsea or not remains to be seen.

Pranav Nair

Recent Posts

West Ham vs Chelsea – Preview, Teams News & More | Premier League 2024-25

Chelsea face West Ham away from home in the Premier League Chelsea and West Ham go head-to-head on matchday five…

13 hours ago

Reece James features in full gear at Cobham, hinting at an early return

Reece James and his injury problems are becoming a matter of grave concern with every passing week for Chelsea. The…

13 hours ago

Chelsea FC Salvage Late Win Against Bournemouth In Record-Breaking Game

The wait to see the Blues back in action after the first International break came to an end when Enzo…

3 days ago

Paul Merson reveals what it will take for Chelsea to sell Cole Palmer

Chelsea narrowly beat Bournemouth in their recent Premier League game, with Christopher Nkunku providing them a late respite. As they…

4 days ago

Nkunku reveals what Maresca told him before Bournemouth heroics

Christopher Nkunku was Chelsea's saviour last weekend in what was a nail-biting affair against Bournemouth in the Premier League. The…

4 days ago

Injury fears as Chelsea star goes unpictured in training

Chelsea have started their preparations for their weekend bow against West Ham United at their infamous Cobham on Monday; however,…

4 days ago