Barcelona ‘attentive’ as Chelsea ace rejects £120,000 per week contract offer – report

Barcelona will venture into the transfer market again in January to sign a new defensive midfielder as cover and competition for under-fire star Sergio Busquets.

The 34-year-old had started the new season well but has been poor in the last few matches, raising concerns within the camp. With his contract expiring in 2023, plans were already being drawn up to replace him next year.

Those plans have now seemingly been brought forward to the January window itself, with Barça studying several possible options to reinforce the pivot position in the centre of the park.

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to Spotify Camp Nou amidst all this is Chelsea midfielder Jorginho. The Italian international, much like Busquets at Barça, is in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

The links to Jorginho have been persisting for a while now and the fact that his agent was recently in Barcelona have only served to fuel the rumours further.

And, according to fresh reports in England, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Jorginho has rejected the first contract extension offer made by Chelsea.

The 30-year-old was offered a new deal with wages similar to his current £120,000 per week salary. However, he is believed to be hoping for a raise and is seeking a contract worth £150,000-a-week – similar to what former Barcelona target Cesar Azpilicueta earns.

Jorginho’s agent, Joao Santos, recently insisted that the midfielder’s priority is to continue at Chelsea. And even though the Italian international has refused the first contract offer from the Blues, negotiations are expected to continue.

However, Barcelona are ‘attentive’ to the situation and are keeping a close watch on the proceedings. And in case the talks do not yield the desired result, they could look to swoop in, either in the winter window for an affordable price or in the summer when they can sign him for free.

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