Maurizio Sarri has emphasised the need for Chelsea to sign an alternative to Jorginho following the departure of Cesc Fabregas to Monaco.
Pedro and Willian struck either side of Ciaran Clark’s goal to give the Blues a 2-1 victory over Newcastle last Saturday yet while Sarri’s side finished with the victory, sections of the Stamford Bridge crowd jeered summer signing Jorginho following a string of wayward passes.
Having initially impressed as the pivot in Sarri’s preferred 4-3-3 system, the Italian international has been struggling in recent weeks due to the physicality of the Premier League. Fabregas, who Sarri considers as the most natural replacement for Jorginho, has left for Monaco, leaving the west Londoners short of options in the holding midfield role. The situation has prompted the ex-Napoli boss to plead with the club suits to sign a replacement for Fabregas.
“As you have seen Jorginho was in trouble, but I didn’t have a player for that position,” said the 59-year-old. “I have no idea [when it will get sorted]. The club knows very well my opinion. I need a player there. It depends on the club decision. I cannot do anything more.”
Replacements for Fabregas
Reports have surfaced that the Stamford Bridge outfit had tabled a second bid for Zenit Saint Petersburg midfielder Leandro Paredes, with their initial bid worth £26.8 million deemed below the Russian side’s valuation. With Zenit valuing the 24-year-old at £36 million, it remains to be seen whether a deal will be agreed between both parties.
On the other hand, it has also been put forward to Sarri that the club should look to their younger generation for a Jorginho understudy, with Ethan Ampadu earmarked as a potential candidate. Quizzed about the interesting prospect of the impressive Welshman lining up in front of the defence, Sarri believes Ampadu will be capable in due time.
“In the future, maybe. Playing as a central midfielder in our team is not easy,” added Sarri. “We need to try and try and try in training. But I think he is able to do it.”
