OPINION
With the arrival of Jorginho at Manchester City reported to be imminent according to the Manchester Evening News, the revelation that rivals Chelsea could make an increased offer for the Italian is sure to send Pep Guardiola over the edge.
The Premier League champions were all set to welcome Jorginho to the Etihad from Napoli, especially as the Serie A outfit had completed a transfer for Fabian Ruiz as a replacement for the Italy international.
However, as reported by Italian sports website Tutto Sport, that is all set to change as Chelsea plan to make a £53.2 million bid that is sure to stump their bitter rivals – and the Blues must do all they can to hijack the Citizens’ pursuit of the Napoli midfielder.
Jorginho largely operates as a defensive midfielder, an area of the field of which Chelsea have been lacking in recent seasons, especially after the departure of Nemanja Matic to Manchester United.
They need a reliable midfielder of whom they can trust to provide solid cover for their back four, of whom are leaking in too many goals for the club’s liking.
The 26-year-old has made 39 appearances for Napoli in all competitions during the 2017/2018 campaign, demonstrating his reliability to contribute to his team’s defensive efforts.
Chelsea have an abundance of attacking midfielders, which is excellent for them going forward – nevertheless, without any defensive alternatives, they are destined to remain out of the top-four.
Selling Matic was arguably one of their most costly-mistakes, but the potential arrival of Jorginho could help put that mistake to bed.
They are yet to make a signing in this window due the uncertainty surrounding their managerial situation, but Jorginho could be the first arrival to give the Stamford Bridge faithful hope that they can challenge for the title and other honours next season.
The Blues must now frustrate their fellow title challengers, and make a bid to land Jorginho for themselves.