Jorginho has backed new Chelsea signing Kalidou Koulibaly to be the perfect replacement for Antonio Rudiger. The Blues recently signed the Senegal international for £33.8million from Napoli with Thomas Tuchel looking to build a new-look defence.
Koulibaly, who could make his debut for Chelsea tomorrow morning in the Blues' final pre-season friendly in America against Arsenal, has been brought to Stamford Bridge to replace Antonio Rudiger, who joined Real Madrid on a free transfer recently. Jorginho, who played with Koulibaly at Napoli in the past, has plenty of confidence in the new Chelsea centre-back.
Asked about the role he had in bringing Koulibaly to Chelsea, Jorginho said: "I was just a friend talking to him saying let's play together again. I used to play with you, it's been a long time, come on, let's play together again."
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When asked if Koulibaly can be an ideal replacement for Rudiger, the Italian midfielder replied: "Oh definitely. For me, it's the best replacement.
"The best choice for the club could have made together with the staff and the coach. I just really hope and I'm pretty sure he will be a big help to our team.
"Of course, we are excited because it means new players coming to help the team and help the club achieve important things. It's what Chelsea is all about."
Koulibaly himself recently spoke about the role Jorginho had in convincing him to join Chelsea. Edouard Mendy, who plays with Koulibaly at international level for Senegal, also played a key part.
The new Chelsea man said: "One month ago Jorgi text me and asked if I wanted to come to Chelsea. I said I don't know if they ask for me, I want to come. If they want me, I'll come with pleasure. After Edou made a small comment, it was already done."
Meanwhile, the future of Jules Kounde is still uncertain. Chelsea have a verbal agreement with Sevilla over a £55m deal, but Barcelona, while not being able to match the Blues' bid yet, are still pushing to hijack the deal for the 23-year-old defender.
Despite reports in Spain suggesting Barca have reached an agreement with Sevilla for the club, the Seville-based outfit have strongly denied the speculation, football.london has been told. Kounde is open to joining either Barca or Chelsea.
Tuchel was asked about Kounde in his press conference on Friday, but predictably the Chelsea head coach did not give too much away on the club's pursuit of the Frenchman. He said: "There is no news. If there will be news about Jules Kounde I will tell you. I will not start commenting on other players."
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