Barcelona are leading the race to sign Miralem Pjanic from Juventus. The two clubs have discussed the possibility of a player swap. Ivan Rakitic and Arthur Melo have been mentioned as the possible players to move to Turin. However, according to latest reports, the Blaugrana’s bid to land Pjanic from Juventus could be broken at the last minute, with former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri keen to agree a swap deal with former club that involves Italian midfielder Jorginho.
According to various reports, Bosnian international Pjanic is understood to have already agreed terms with Barcelona ahead of a potential summer move, even though the final terms of the deal have not been agreed between the two clubs.
But that move could now be scuppered as Juventus manager Sarri, who was in charge of Chelsea for just a single season – winning the Europa League, is keen on raiding his former club for midfielder Jorginho, who he also worked with as the Italian tactician at Napoli.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, he claims that this deal involving Jorginho is Sarri’s preferred option – rather than pursuing a deal with Barcelona that would see Arthur or Rakitic head to Turin.
The move to take Pjanic to Stamford Bridge has also received mixed reaction from Chelsea fans and former players. Florent Malouda stated that Pjanic is one of the best midfielders in the world and Chelsea will benefit immensely if he moves. But losing another midfield maestro is what Malouda can not understand. He believes the club will do well with the two players in the team.
Pjanic, 30, has established himself as one of Europe’s most effective deep-lying playmakers in recent years. He has won five Serie A titles in a row with Juventus. Despite his success with the Old Lady, he’s been told that he can leave the club this summer as Bianconeri look to shake things up.