Chelsea reject Juventus transfer swap bid of Miralem Pjanic for Jorginho as Sarri tries to bring old pal back
CHELSEA have turned down the opportunity to swap Jorginho for Miralem Pjanic, according to reports.
The Blues have already secured the services of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner for next season, and more star names including Kai Havertz could follow.
Despite Sarri's admiration for the player, it is believed that Barcelona star Arthur was actually the Serie A leaders' primary target.
Juventus tried to swap Pjanic, 30, for the talented Brazilian.
But Arthur opted to stay and fight for his place at Camp Nou.
This led them to court Jorginho, but again seemingly with no luck.
Chelsea's No5 has made 37 appearances for the Blues this season as he has remained a key player for Frank Lampard.
But with the emergence of Billy Gilmour, and improvement of Mateo Kovacic, it has been rumoured that Jorginho could be the man to make way for fresh blood.
Chelsea will be desperate to qualify for the Champions League, as they look to help fund their summer business.
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With Manchester United failing to beat Tottenham on Friday night, the West Londoners could open up a five point gap over the Red Devils in fifth this afternoon.
Lampard takes his men to Aston Villa, who drew a blank against Sheffield United on Wednesday night.
Three points would also see Chelsea narrow the gap to third-placed Leicester to just three points, after Craig Dawson's last-gasp equaliser for Watford against the Foxes yesterday.