With Maurizio Sarri set to be announced as Chelsea Football Club manager imminently following the sacking of Antonio Conte, Chelsea can finally kick into action in this transfer window. Given his experience and knowledge of Serie A, the Blues are likely to target that division as they scout around for new signings.
Here are the three big names from Italy that could join Sarri in the capital.
Jorginho
The main man tipped to join Sarri at Chelsea and possibly even be unveiled alongside the new gaffer is Napoli’s central midfielder Jorginho. Chelsea, according to the Standard, have agreed a fee in the region of £57m for the 26-year-old who would slot into the Blues midfield alongside N’golo Kante and strengthen that area.
Manchester City have been consistently linked with the midfielder over the summer however the former Napoli manager Sarri sway the Jorginho’s decision. The Italian international was integral in their Scudetto bid in 2017/18 only to be narrowly be beaten out by serial champions Juventus once again, but could be imperative in bringing Jorginho to Stamford Bridge instead of the Etihad.
This one is the most likely to go through and would certainly get the Chelsea fans excited ahead of the new Premier League season.
Gonzalo Higuain
The Argentinian forward is also reported to have agreed on a move to Chelsea according to the Daily Star. An offer in the region of £48.5m has been submitted by the Premier League club and Higuain is reportedly keen on a move although his big wage demands could be a stumbling block.
This decision comes after Juventus signed Cristiano Ronaldo which sees Higuain slip down the pecking order at the Serie A champions. Higuain is keen to make the move from Juventus to Chelsea and become their main man, as the Chelsea board seem to lose faith with Alvaro Morata in front of goal.
Sarri knows Higuain very well from his time at Napoli where he was the main man before moving on to Juventus. A reunion may well be in order although Sarri will have to assess his squad and decide where his side needs strengthening.
Dries Mertens
The Napoli striker has become one of Europe’s top forwards last season as he moved from a winger to a central striker. His pace is fearsome and his finishing only improved throughout the season leaving defenders in the Italian league unsure of how to deal with him.
He continued this good form for Belgium in the World Cup, hitting a thumping volley in against Panama to open their account in Russia. This may be more of a one-way deal as Sarri is incredibly keen to bring the Belgian to the club however Napoli are unlikely to let one of their star players go, especially given the firepower that title rivals Juventus have just brought in.
This one is probably more of a dream than a reality for Chelsea fans, but Sarri may be able to force a move through.
