90min

Chelsea Reject Miralem Pjanic/Jorginho Swap Offer From Juventus

By Callum Altimas

Chelsea FC v Liverpool FC - FA Cup Fifth Round
Chelsea FC v Liverpool FC - FA Cup Fifth Round / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
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Chelsea have rejected an offer for Jorginho from Juventus which would have seen Miralem Pjanic heading to Stamford Bridge.

Former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri is keen on reuniting with Jorginho after the two spent a season together in London – and three seasons together before that at Napoli – but the club have rejected the Old Lady's offer as they aren't interested in taking 30-year old Pjanic to Stamford Bridge.

Frank Lampard's side have wasted no time recruiting for next season and have already landed Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner ahead of the upcoming transfer window, but with Kai Havertz reportedly in Chelsea's sights, the Premier League side need to free up both squad space and money.

With Havertz potentially heading to Stamford Bridge, Jorginho could be on his way out
With Havertz potentially heading to Stamford Bridge, Jorginho could be on his way out / Jörg Schüler/Getty Images

While Jorginho has been one of Chelsea's more influential players this season, Lampard is willing to let the Italian move on, but CalcioMercato report that the Blues rejected Juventus' offer for the midfielder as they don't want Pjanic – and aren't interested in signing another midfielder as they prepare to make a move for Leverkusen's Havertz.

Pjanic has been at Juventus since 2016, but his future with the club is looking bleak; Sarri previously offering the Bosnian midfielder to Barcelona in exchange for Arthur.

Chelsea aren't interested in taking Pjanic as they have enough midfield options
Chelsea aren't interested in taking Pjanic as they have enough midfield options / Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

With the improvement of Matteo Kovacic, the emergence of Billy Gilmour and the return of Reuben Loftus-Cheek, Chelsea have a number of midfield options to choose from and simply have no room for Pjanic.

Lampard's first season at Chelsea saw the Blues give first-team opportunities to a number of their younger players, but the club are looking to push themselves towards the peak of English football once again with a number of high profile signings this summer.