Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has not spoken to former manager Maurizio Sarri in the past 12 months, despite speculation linking the pair with a reunion at Juventus.
The 28-year-old played under Sarri at Napoli before following him to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2018, helping the Italian win his first piece of silverware as a manager last season when Chelsea lifted the Europa League. What is the scope?
Maurizio Sarri is now in charge of Juventus. / D Foodie Images/Getty Images
Ever since Sarri left for Juventus at the start of the season, there has been speculation linking Jorginho with a return to his homeland.
But, despite the ongoing speculation, The Athletic report that the pair have ‘not spoken’ at all for the past twelve months, adding that Jorginho has ‘fallen in love’ with London and that he has confirmed his suspicions in England. Willing to prove them wrong.
Jorginho was heavily criticized during his first season for the West London club, with fans bemoaning the monotonous nature of the much-talked-about ‘Sri Ball’ – which disappointed and frustrated alike. what fun
Jorginho has impressed under Frank Lampard’s management. /Visionhaus/Getty Images
But this season, he has been a key part of Chelsea’s push towards Europe and has become a strong leader in a young dressing room, further highlighted by his appointment as vice-captain.
Despite the rise in form and acclaim, it is believed that Chelsea will listen to offers for the Brazilian-born teacher. A swap deal is highly unlikely at the moment, though – with finances around the world affected by the coronavirus – so any move to Turin could involve Miralem Pjanic, the only replacement at Juventus is bound by the contract.
Depending on what can happen between now and the end of the season, Jorginho is likely to fight for a regular start. N’Golo Kante is now fully fit, Mateo Kovacic has performed admirably in his successful season and Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back from injury. Oh, and Billy Gilmour is the new kid on the block.
Miralem Pjanic has been linked with Chelsea. / Alessandro Sabatini / Getty Images
A summer exit cannot be ruled out – especially as Chelsea have already splashed the cash on Hakim Ziyech and look set to do the same for German star Timo Werner – but any deal on Could depend on how Jorginho performs between now and the end. If the season continues to impress, Lampard will ultimately be unwilling to sanction a transfer.