Agent reveals interest in Chelsea midfielder from 'two top clubs'

Jorginho’s agent has had contact from ‘two top European clubs’ as Chelsea face a fight to keep hold of the Italy international in the next transfer window.

The 28-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2018 and has been a regular in the first team ever since, initially under Maurizio Sarri, but has remained so under Frank Lampard.

The Brazilian-born midfielder has been linked with a move to Juventus since Sarri swapped west London for Turin, having played under the Italian at both Napoli and Chelsea.

However, Lampard has been keen to keep hold of the midfield pass-master, but he may well have a battle on his hands as not only Juve are interested in Jorginho, but also two other substantial clubs elsewhere in Europe, according to agent Joao Santos.

‘He is a complete player. He is in the national team and he is the vice-captain of Chelsea. Over time he has gained experience and is now a real leader,’ Santos told Taca La Marca, via Napoli Magazine.

‘If you ask me if Sarri likes Jorginho, I will say yes because of their past [association]. I can’t say anything about the market, since I had no contact [with Juventus].

‘Jorginho still has three years of contract and is doing well at Chelsea. However, if an important offer arrives, the negotiation could go through. In this sense, two top European clubs, not Italian, have contacted me.’

Jorginho, who has racked up 91 appearances for Chelsea already, scoring nine goals, would be an extremely expensive acquisition for any potential suitor.

He set the Blues back £50m in 2018, and with his contract running until 2023, the club are under absolutely no pressure to sell him.

Lampard has spoken extremely highly of his midfielder, telling Soccer AM in November last year: ‘I’ve got to say, I watched him in a lot of the games in the run-in last year – I know he had a bit of a tough time – but I was really struck by his bravery on the ball. He always wanted it.

‘I was excited to work with him, and from day one in pre-season, we had a possession game, it was clear his ability on the ball.

‘What’s become even clearer since then, his attitude and what he does with the group, he’s driven. That’s why I’ve made him vice-captain. He’s one of those infectious players, he cajoles players on the pitch, before the game. I’ve loved to see the fans’ reaction to him.

‘One thing a fan will always do – and I’m a fan – is that when you see someone giving everything, passion, drive, they will always react to that. You’ve seen that with Jorginho.’

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