Chelsea are reportedly set to beat Manchester City to the signing of Jorginho after agreeing a £57 million deal with Napoli for the Italian international
According to a report by London Evening Standard, Chelsea’s attempt to hijack Manchester City’s pursuit of Jorginho is set to end successfully. The Blues have beaten the Premier League champions to the signature of the Italian international, who is set to complete his move to Stamford Bridge in a £57 million deal.
Jorginho has steadily built up a reputation of being one of the most enterprising midfielders in the world since joining Napoli from Hellas Verona in the summer of 2014. Over the last four years, the player has been at the heart of the Napoli engine room, running the show for the Partenopei from a deep lying position in midfield.
During his stint at San Paolo, the club has also become genuine Serie A title contenders. But, Jorginho’s association with Napoli is set to end after four years. Manchester City had been heavily linked with a summer move for the 26-year-old. But, the Premier League champions are set to concede defeat to Chelsea in pursuit of the player.
At Manchester City, Jorginho was being seen as a successor to David Silva, who will be phased out as a regular over the course of the next few seasons. But, the Citizens failed to reach an agreement with Napoli over his transfer fee, which has seen them identify possible alternatives recently.
But, while Manchester City had been haggling for an agreeable transfer fee with Napoli for Jorginho, Chelsea have swooped in to hijack the deal. The Blues do seem to be in need of a top class midfielder.
The likes of Danny Drinkwater and Ross Barkley failed to make any sort of impact in their debut campaigns with Chelsea. Furthermore, Tiemoue Bakayoko only grew into his new surroundings as the season ended, although he is expected to stamp his authority in the upcoming season.
Cesc Fabregas has played the sort of role that the Italian international will be expected to at Chelsea. But, with the Spaniard now on the wrong side of 30, Jorginho appears as a solid replacement for the next half-a-decade or so.
While Manchester City were only willing to pay around £48.6 million to secure the services of the 26-year-old, Chelsea have agreed to Napoli’s asking price. The Blues are set to shell out £57.4 million to sign the player, with £51.25 million being paid up front.
The figures of the deal also includes the terms for Maurizio Sarri to be released from his Napoli contract to finally be appointed as the Chelsea manager. Meanwhile, Jorginho will sign a five-year deal worth £102,000-per-week at the Bridge.
Napoli had even asked for Fabregas to be part of the deal, but the Spanish midfielder is unlikely to leave this summer. For now though, Jorginho appears set to join Chelsea instead of Manchester City, with Maurizio Sarri following soon after.
