Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has urged the club to pursue another ball-playing midfielder after Jorginho endured a tough game against Newcastle United in the Premier League. The Italy international has been Sarri’s undisputed pick for the holding midfield role but the club are currently lacking a back-up option with the same attributes after the departure of Cesc Fabregas.

Speaking to reporters, Sarri admitted that Jorginho had a concern during the Magpies game but he could not change things, given he does not have a player on the bench with the same passing attributes as the Italian, he said: “Today Jorginho was in trouble and on the bench there wasn’t a player for that position.”
Meanwhile, the manager added that he requires an option behind Jorginho in the ranks, although he is unsure whether the club are making progress towards recruiting anyone, he further told: “I need an option for Jorginho. I have no idea. It’s not too much [of a worry for me]. [If] the club is worried, I don’t know. The club knows very well my opinion. I need the player there [in that position]. It depends on the club decision, I think. I cannot do anything more.”

“Chelsea have been linked with Cagliari’s Nicolo Barella and Zenit St Petersburg’s Leandro Paredes over the past few days“and a report from The Telegraph has indicated that they have agreed personal terms with both players. Nonetheless,the Blues are only expected “to pursue one recruit“ for the winter transfer window and Paredes could be the choice.

The Argentine has recently hinted about a possible Chelsea deal after retweeting a video welcoming him to the Blues and the next few weeks may reveal whether the midfielder would be joining the club this month. Paredes is currently valued at around £30m by Zenit.