Chelsea rejected chance to sign Pjanic in swap transfer with Juventus for Jorginho, claims agent

CHELSEA turned down the chance to sign Miralem Pjanic in a swap deal for Jorginho.

Blues' Italian midfielder had been heavily linked with a switch to the Old Lady and reunite with Maurizio Sarri before he was sacked.

Juventus appointed Andrea Pirlo as boss and Pjanic ended up leaving for Barcelona with Arthur heading in the opposite direction.

But Jorginho's agent revealed how the Bosnian could have lined up in Chelsea colours had Frank Lampard considered the deal.

Joao Santos told Tuttomercato web: "Juventus had offered a swap deal including Miralem Pjanic, but the English side didn't take it into consideration.

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"[Juve sporting director Fabio] Paratici never called me. Would he have moved to Juventus with Sarri? I think so."

Lampard is believed to be open to offers for Jorginho as he looks to balance the books.

Kai Havertz's expected £90million arrival will take Chelsea's remarkable summer spending past the £200m mark.

And Santos admitted he will look to find a buyer if the 28-year-old is not handed regular football in Chelsea's congested midfield.

He added: "He has a three-year deal with Chelsea. The market is long, it will last until October 5.

"If Chelsea were to think that he is no longer part of the project, I would find an alternative solution.

"Last year he played 40 games for Chelsea and is an important member of the national team.

"So far we haven't received any official offers. He is followed by many clubs and there aren't many players with his characteristics in that role."