Chelsea snap up £50m Napoli star Jorginho as Sarri makes early mark

Chelsea’s new manager Maurizio Sarri has wasted no time in making his mark on the club, with Italy international Jorginho joining from Napoli in a deal believed to be worth around £50 million.

The 26-year-old has signed a five-year contract, with the Londoners seeing off competition from big-spending Manchester City to land the player.

Jorginho said: “I am absolutely ecstatic to be here at Chelsea. It is not easy to become part of such a big team so I am very, very happy.

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“I am excited to play in such an intense league, for a team that gives everything to play and win.”

Brazil-born Jorginho has been at Napoli since 2014, and helped them to finish second in Serie A last season. He scored from the penalty spot in Napoli’s 4-2 defeat to Manchester City last November, and was also part of the Italy team that drew 1-1 with England in March.

The news is likely to anger Premier League champions Manchester City, who believe they were close to signing the player.

It is believed City were assured by Jorginho’s agent that the player wanted to join them. However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis said the player favoured a move to Chelsea, and it seems Sarri’s arrival may have sealed the deal.

Chelsea fans will expect a better Premier League showing from their team, with the new season just a month away – the Blues finished fifth last term, meaning they will play in the Europa League rather than the European Cup.