Jorginho has flown to London, heightening Manchester City’s fears that he will snub them to join Chelsea. City have spent weeks pursuing Pep Guardiola’s top midfield target and looked close to landing Jorginho from Napoli before last weekend.
But incoming Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri told his new owners to hijack the transfer because he wants to be reunited with the Italian international at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are believed to have offered £57.5million (€65m) compared to City’s bid of £48.7m (€55m). Napoli wanted £61.9million for Jorginho (€70million) and are happy to accept Chelsea’s offer.
Chelsea are also believed to have offered Jorginho higher personal terms. Jorginho, 26, was keen to play under Guardiola, but his move today to fly to London suggests he has decided to opt for Chelsea rather than the Premier League champions. City have not commented on Jorginho, but they will be disappointed if he does snub them to join rivals Chelsea, having invested so much time and effort in the negotiations.