Jorginho transfer agreement reached as agent’s Barcelona denials are destroyed by strong Sport claims

Jorginho is reportedly closing in on an agreement to take the midfielder to Barcelona with the recent denials issued by the Italy international’s agent being ripped to shreds.

The midfielder has been with Chelsea since an initial £50m move from Napoli in summer 2018. Signing a five year deal at the time, the 30-year-old has made over 200 appearances for the Blues under a string of different managers.

But with his deal due to expire next summer, Chelsea are in growing danger of losing the player on a free transfer.

A number of clubs are being linked with his signature as a result. Juventus have a long-standing interest in bringing him back to Italy, while his former coach Maurizio Sarri would love to sign him for Lazio. There is also speculation that Jose Mourinho’s Roma could look to acquire his services too.

But the strongest rumours have undoubtedly come from Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez’s side are in the market for a new midfielder with Sergio Busquests seemingly nearing a move to MLS.

And with the club’s finances remaining tight, a move to sign upcoming free agent Jorginho would certainly tick plenty of boxes.

Earlier this year, his agent Joao Santos was spotted in Barcelona, fuelling rumours his client was in talks over the move.

However, the representative was quick to dodge the speculation with quite possibly the worst excuse heard to mankind!

Still, those rumours continue to persist and Santos has this week been forced to issue a strong denial once again.

Speaking to Relevo in Spain, Santos said: “It is not true that I’ve met [Barcelona director] Mateu Alemany.

“Our priority is to extend with Chelsea; that’s the only club I’ve talked to in the last few weeks. Jorginho’s future is at Chelsea.”

Jorginho deal with Barcelona is closing in

However, despite his agent’s latest denial, Spanish newspaper Sport is absolutely convinced that talks have been held. Furthermore, they claim an agreement to take the 30-year-old to the Nou Camp is on the brink of being agreed.

Furthermore, they report that Jorginho himself is keen to make the move to Barcelona. And following reported talks with Xavi, the player believing he will fit in perfectly with Barcelona’s style.

And despite the player insisting recently that his focus remains on Chelsea, there is a belief that the clock is ticking on his future in London.

Perhaps most strongly, Sport claims that an agreement has been reached in principle with a firm proposal arriving in January.

In addition, Barca have reportedly already taken the appropriate steps to finalise the agreement. And if all goes to plan, Jorginho will sign a pre-contract agreement to join Barca in the 2023/24 season.

Barcelona are believe the signing will fall within their financial requirements, with their situation easing for next year.

Jorginho will, therefore, become the third Chelsea player in recent months to make the move to Camp Nou. They have already raided the Blues for Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso this summer. Another offer – for Cesar Azpilicueta – fell short after the player decided to honour his Stamford Bridge agreement.

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