Jorginho and Conor Gallagher have both been linked with deadline day transfer moves away from Chelsea. The Blues are pushing to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica after holding fresh talks on Monday, football.london understands.
Everton approached Chelsea with an offer worth £45million for Gallagher – but a mid-season switch to Goodison Park is not expected to appeal to the midfielder, football.london understands. There has been speculation over the 22-year-old's future throughout the transfer window with both Newcastle United and Crystal Palace having expressed an interest in taking the midfielder on loan for the remainder of the campaign, as football.london revealed earlier this month.
Arsenal are now considering a move for Jorginho before the transfer window closes after having two bids for Brighton's Moises Caicedo rejected, football.london understands. The Gunners are in the market for a midfielder before the January transfer window closes on Tuesday evening following a long-term injury to Mohamed Elneny and have identified the Italy international as a possible option.
READ MORE: What must change for Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernandez and the other potential deadline day deals
According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Jorginho is 'close' to joining the Gunners in part because Gallagher has refused to join to Everton. The 22-year-old's proposed move to Goodison Park is not taking place and Chelsea would rather sell the Italian midfielder to free up space.
Jorginho's current deal at Stamford Bridge is set to expire in the summer with talks over a renewal having stalled. Failure to renew his contract would see him leave on a free transfer at the end of the season, meaning the Blues would also miss out on receiving a potential transfer fee.
Gallagher is younger, has longer on his contract, is homegrown and has shown a recent upturn in form which could also contribute to the Blues' preferring to sell Jorginho. Todd Boehly has shown with his transfer business that he is looking to build a team to compete throughout the next decade, with the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk signing eight-year contracts.
Times are changing at Stamford Bridge with there being a bigger focus on signing talented youngsters that can make an impact on the first team and develop under Graham Potter. Boehly has backed the former Brighton boss significantly in the January transfer window and he will hope that Chelsea can now push on and rescue a top four spot come the end of the season.
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