Gerard Pique's quick-fire Barcelona exit has opened up funds for a move for Chelsea midfielder Jorginho in January.
Barca are targeting two players in the coming window, with Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez earmarked as a replacement for Pique in central defence.
But it is estimated that Pique has saved the Catalan giants between £44million and £65m by retiring mid-contract and that means there is money available for a move for the Blues’ Italy star as well. Barcelona coach Xavi told the Spanish press on Friday that he has to bring in a central defender but his interest in Jorginho is also well-known.
The player’s agent insisted last week that his client wants to stay at Stamford Bridge but no new deal has been agreed and he will be out of contract in June unless that changes.
Barcelona will offer around £22m plus add-ons to see if they can tempt Chelsea to do business and offer the Brazil-born star a two-and-a-half-year deal.
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Like Jorginho, who joined Chelsea from Napoli in 2018, Martinez is out of contract at the end of this season. And there is a belief at the Nou Camp that their La Liga rivals could also be tempted to cash in on the player rather than risk losing him for nothing in nine months’ time.
Jorginho has become a key player at Chelsea after a tough start under Maurizio Sarri. He has helped the Blues to glory in the Champions League and Europa League, as well as helping Italy to Euro 2020 victory during his time in west London.
