Dilemma for Chelsea bosses as star seeks pay rise

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly faces a huge dilemma over the coming months, as he attempts to figure out what to do with the club’s midfield situation. 

Both Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are set to be out of contract at the end of the current season, meaning they could both leave as free transfers next summer.

That would leave manager Graham Potter with only Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher as central midfield options, so it appears that Chelsea are keen to extend both Jorginho and Kante’s deals.

As reported by The Evening Standard, the Italy international has been offered a new contract, although an agreement is yet to be reached.

The report claims that The Blues’ initial offer would see Jorginho earn a similar wage to his current £120,000-per-week, whereas the player himself is looking for a pay rise.

The Italian reportedly wants to earn a similar wage to club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who was rewarded with a new two-year deal over the summer that earns him £150,000-per-week.

The 30-year-old, as well as 31-year-old Kante, will both be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club from January onwards, so Chelsea are keen to reach agreements as soon as possible.

Jorginho has rejected Chelsea’s first new contract offer

It is claimed in the report that both midfielders are intent on staying put at Stamford Bridge, although they both want assurances about their importance to Potter’s side over the coming years.

Kante has reportedly been offered a two-year deal with the option for a further 12 months, however the player is pushing for a longer contract.

Jorginho joined Chelsea from Serie A side Napoli in 2018 and has since made more than 200 appearances for the club, winning a number of trophies including the Champions League during that time.

Since taking charge of the club, Boehly has prioritised securing young players on long-term deals, with Carney Chukwuemeka, Gabriel Slonina and Omari Hutchinson among those to be signed by the club during the recent window.

Despite this, Jorginho has continued to play a crucial role for The Blues this season, featuring in all 13 of their matches across the Premier League and Champions League.

Chelsea were linked with several central midfielders during the recent window, including Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and West Ham United’s Declan Rice.