CHELSEA HAVE COMPLETED a €65 million deal to take Napoli’s Jorginho to Stamford Bridge, the club announced on Saturday.
Earlier the Blues confirmed that they had lured Maurizio Sarri to lead the club for the next three years following the sacking of Antonio Conte on Friday, and his first move has been to secure the signing of the midfielder on a five-year deal.
He played 33 times for Napoli in Serie last season, scoring two goals and creating four more from his deep-lying position in the midfield as they finished second behind Juventus in the standings.
Speaking to the club’s website, Jorginho said: “I am absolutely ecstatic to be here at Chelsea. It is not easy to become part of such a big team so I am very, very happy. I am excited to play in such an intense league, for a team that gives everything to play and win.”
He was an important member of Napoli’s squad under Sarri and the Blues expect him to have a similar influence in London.
“We are delighted Jorginho has chosen to join Chelsea,” club director Marina Granovskaia said.
“He was one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe and will become an important member of the playing squad. He has demonstrated his quality working under Maurizio Sarri and we are convinced his signing will help bring further success to Stamford Bridge.”
Manchester City were previously interested in the 26-year-old Italy international but it is Sarri’s side who have won the race for the player.
Indeed, it had been expected that the midfielder would join up with the Premier League champions, who also had a five-year deal on the table for the player, less than a fortnight ago.
His agent had previously said: ”Jorginho is good at Napoli, but there are negotiations with Manchester City and this is why we do not talk about a renewal.
“We are talking about a lad for whom Manchester City represents the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Jorginho has been handed the No.5 shirt for his first season with the Blues, who missed out on Champions League football after finishing fifth in the Premier League last term.
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