If a report from the Italian outlet Calciomercato is believed to be true, Chelsea might struggle to keep hold of their midfield maestro Jorginho amid interest from AC Milan. Franck Kessié is set to join Barcelona in the summer window and the Rossoneri must rope in someone to replace the Ivorian in the middle of the park.
The recent interview of Jorginho’s agent has fuelled these speculations.
“In the past, I spoke with PSG, Barcelona and also with Massara of Milan. I don’t know if they want it (a deal for Jorginho) now. I talk to Massara too. But I don’t know if they are still interested.”
Told Joao Santos at a football conference in Palermo (quoted by MilanNews). The ongoing ownership conundrum has refrained the Blues from buying, selling or renewing deals at Stamford Bridge and the midfielder, contracted until the summer of 2023, can’t ply his trades elsewhere until the crisis resolves.
What’s Next For The Chelsea Regista?
Chelsea secured his services from Napoli back in 2018 for a fee of around £50m (with £7m in potential add-ons). He was Maurizio Sarri’s key weapon in the Partenopei’s midfield and the pair reunited at the Bridge to taste success in the English soil. Although their Italian boss parted ways in favour of Juventus one year later, Jorginho stayed put and cemented a place as the deep-lying playmaker (also known as a regista back in his homeland).
While he is heading towards 200 appearances (179 so far) donning the Blues colours, there have not been talks of an extension in the recent past. The priority is agreeing to a new Chelsea contract once these financial constraints are over, however, it remains to be seen whether the club offers him one. Jorginho, as well as N’Golo Kante, are in their 30s and therefore, do not have a long-term future beyond 2023.
Having said that, the Blues can’t afford to lose both the midfield assets in the same window. But the rise of Mateo Kovacic has been a massive boost who, alongside Kante, have formed a formidable partnership in the centre of the pitch. The Azzurri international has been integral to their success under Thomas Tuchel with his composure, technicality, precision and perfection from the spot, yet a decision has to be made in the coming days whether to cash in on him prior to the upcoming term. The London giants won’t take a monetary hit by losing him for free next year and the contract saga is going to get a direction in the coming days once the new owners step in and stabilize the club.
