According to a recent report by Calciomercato, Chelsea are keen on using Jorginho to land Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic during the summer transfer window. The same source has also claimed that the Turin giants are keeping Frank Lampard’s side in the loop with regards to any updates regarding Pjanic with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain also interested in acquiring his services. It is believed that Jorginho has given the green light to return to the Serie A which could open the door for the Blues to recruit Pjanic in this off-season (Calciomercato).
Pjanic’s Excellent Form In The Serie A This Season
The former FC Metz youngster has enjoyed another excellent season at the Allianz Stadium after managing to produce a string of match-winning displays under the stewardship of Maurizio Sarri. He has registered three goals and four assists in 32 matches for the Italian outfit this term across multiple competitions which highlights his growing influence going forward.
Defensively, the 30-year-old has averaged 1.7 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.0 clearances in every 90 minutes of league football this season (stats via whoscored). He has performed slightly better in Europe where he has averaged 1.1 tackles, 2.3 interceptions and 1.0 clearances per game in the UEFA Champions League so far (stats via whoscored). Pjanic’s stats prove just how integral he has been for Juve at both ends of the field.
The Tuzla-born midfield ace has also earned 92 senior caps for the Bosnia-Herzegovina national team, netting 14 goals for his country in the process. At 30, he still has a few good years left in his locker to perform at a high level for his nation at the international stage.
What Are The Juventus Playmaker’s Best Attributes?
Pjanic is a composed dribbler who showcases excellent ball control and terrific balance to retain possession for his side at the centre of the park. He can distribute the ball accurately without breaking a sweat and has a wide range of passes in his locker. The 30-year-old has completed 89.8% of his attempted passes in the Serie A this season (stats via whoscored).
The ex-AS Roma talent is also a dead-ball specialist and can create some decent goal-scoring chances for his teammates in the final third. However, he has thrived as a holding midfielder under Sarri’s tutelage and has proven that he can pull off some crucial interceptions and last-gasp clearances for his side.
Chelsea Using Jorginho To Sign Pjanic: Good Move For Everyone Involved?
Comparatively, Jorginho is two years younger than Pjanic and has registered seven goals along with two assists in 37 matches for Chelsea this season. He has also averaged 2.2 tackles, 2.2 interceptions and 0.9 clearances per game in the Premier League this season (stats via whoscored).
Therefore, if the Blues midfielder fancies a move back to Italy, then it makes sense for Lampard to opt for an experienced campaigner such as Pjanic ahead of the new season. However, if there is even a slight chance for the West London outfit to convince Jorginho to stay put at Stamford Bridge, then they should consider doing so as he is a player who has already proved his worth in English football.
Recruiting Pjanic could prove to be a big gamble for Chelsea as the jury is still out on whether he will be able to cope with the physicality and high intensity of Premier League football. At the same time, the player might thrive with a new challenge, while Sarri will be quietly optimistic about getting the best out of Jorginho in Italy.
All in all, Lampard should only entertain the possibility of using Jorginho to sign Pjanic if he fails to convince the Italian to stay at the English capital beyond this summer. However, if he fails to do so, then it could prove to be a good deal for everyone involved before the start of the new season.
