Maurizio Sarri’s hopes of finding a quick replacement for Cesc Fabregas may have been dashed according to Cagliari manager Rolando Maran.
The Italian has topped the passing charts for the Serie A side this season and has been heavily-linked with a move to west London.
Jorginho is currently the only player who can slot into the deep-lying midfield role required by the tactical scheme of the new head coach at Stamford Bridge.
Last season, Sarri lead Napoli to second in the Italian top flight and his presence in the dugout has seen the Blues tipped as suitors for a number of other players based in Serie A.
Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain could still join the club this month despite being on loan at Milan for the season.
Manager Gennaro Gattuso has thrown the Argentinian’s future at the San Siro into doubt by revealing that the player wants to leave.
“When a player makes up his mind it becomes hard to convince them otherwise,” he said in his post-match press conference after facing Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia.
“I have a relationship with him that features great honesty, we say things to one another’s face.
“At the moment, he’s our player and we’re holding on tightly to him. I don’t know what will happen.”
Former Roma playmaker Leandro Paredes has also been named as a potential signing for Chelsea from Zenit St Petersburg.
However, any efforts to bring Barella to the Premier League could be frustrated, according to his current manager Maran.
“He has the right thoughts and his head is in Cagliari,” he said, as reported by the Metro. “I do not have different signals and I do not have any problem.”
It is claimed that the 21-year-old could set back Chelsea £45million, with Paredes priced up at £30million.
After watching his side beat Newcastle United 2-1, Sarri spoke out about the need to replace Fabregas with a player capable of filling in for Jorginho when needed.
“Today Jorginho was in trouble and on the bench there wasn’t a player for that position,” he said. “I need an option for Jorginho.”
Chelsea’s transfer plans for January
With the January transfer window in full swing, football.london want to hear from Chelsea fans on the business they want to see from the club in the first month of 2019 and their view on the season so far under Maurizio Sarri.