Jorginho has rejected Chelsea’s contract proposal to extend his stay, as he is demanding a significant pay rise.
According to the Evening Standard, Jorginho has rejected a proposal from Chelsea to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge. The influential midfielder, a target for Barcelona, wants a significant pay rise to stay put, something the club have not offered as a part of the new contract.
Jorginho and N’Golo Kante’s contractual situation is causing tension in the Chelsea hierarchy. The Blues would prefer to keep the influential duo at the club, but their efforts to extend their deals have proved futile.
Kante’s situation is proving complex, but not so much for Jorginho. The big issue with the Italian international is his demand for a significant pay rise. Chelsea have reportedly offered to extend his contract without increasing his current £120,000-a-week salary.
Jorginho has reportedly rejected the proposal citing the recent contract offered to teammate Cesar Azpilicueta. The Spaniard saw his pay package increased to £150,000 per week, and the Italian international wants parity. Chelsea could look into the situation knowing the midfielder’s intention to remain at the club.
The new owner, Todd Boehly, does not want to lose both Kante and Jorginho, as he remains keen to retain their services. Jorginho is also a Barcelona target and could negotiate a move in January. He also has tremendous interest coming from Italy, as Lazio and Juventus remain keen on bringing him back to Serie A.
Jorginho is settled at Chelsea, and a continuation would be ideal for all parties concerned. The Blues might look to resolve this situation. They know that with the midfielder’s departure, they might need to accelerate market activity.
Chelsea have a few notable names on their shortlist if the duo departs. Signing a replacement could prove an expensive affair. Jude Bellingham, Edson Alvarez and Declan Rice are some of the players on their radar, while others could emerge in due time.
For now, Chelsea hope a deal can be agreed upon with Jorginho. They can lose him as early as January, with Barcelona among those keen to agree to a financially viable deal. Whether the west London club obliges to the midfielder’s higher salary demands remains in question.
