La Liga giants circling around Chelsea star in last year of contract

Chelsea spent much of the summer transfer window searching for a midfielder to add to their current crop, but ultimately failed in their pursuit of several targets. 

The Blues, then under Thomas Tuchel’s management, eventually lured Denis Zakaria away from Juventus on a season-long loan deal, but those in charge of the club will be wary of the midfield situation at the club.

Both Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are set to be out of contract next summer, and Mateo Kovacic’s injury record will also be a cause for concern for new Blues manager Graham Potter.

France international Kante is rumoured to be in talks over a potential contract extension, but Jorginho’s situation could prove more complicated.

As of January, the Italy international will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club, and it appears that he may well have an option on the table already.

As reported by The Mirror, Barcelona are interested in the midfielder, and could make a move to sign him when his contract expires next summer.

Jorginho has just ten months remaining on his Chelsea contract

It is claimed that the Spanish side are looking for potential replacements for Sergio Busquets, whose contract is also due to expire next summer.

Busquets will be 35-years-old by then, and Xavi Hernandez feels it may be time to source his replacement.

The opportunity to potentially land Jorginho on a free transfer appeals to Barcelona, and they will be at an advantage if they can begin talks in January.

It has been suggested that Chelsea may once again show interest in both Declan Rice and Frenkie de Jong next summer, and Jude Bellingham is also reportedly a target for the club, according to The Sun.

Jorginho, 30, cost Chelsea £57 million when he followed Maurizio Sarri from Napoli to London back in 2018, but the midfielder’s performances since joining the club have divided Chelsea’s fanbase.

Many supporters feel the Italian’s defensive capabilities have cost the team, with mistakes against both Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United leading to goals being conceded.

In the four years that he has spent in the capital, Jorginho has made 196 appearances and scored 27 goals, the majority of which have been penalties.