Chelsea midfielder Jorginho wants a pay rise amid negotiations with the club over a new contract, according to the Evening Standard.
Jorginho’s current contract expires in 2023, but the former Napoli maestro has been unable to find an agreement over a new deal in early negotiations with the club.
The 30-year-old was offered a contract that would keep his wage closer to his current £120,000 per week, but the Italian is stalling as he wants improved terms.
Jorginho reportedly wants his new deal to match that of the club’s captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who recently signed a new two-year £150,000 per week contract.
He will be free to speak to other clubs in the January transfer window and could leave for free if both parties do not reach an agreement.
Chelsea could also lose N’Golo Kante, as the Frenchman’s contract is also due to expire next summer.
Like Jorginho, the France international is stalling on a new contract as he wants a longer deal than Chelsea’s proposal.
The Blues are believed to have offered a two-year extension with the option of an extra year. But Kante wants a longer deal, as he was reportedly in talks for a four-year contract under the old regime.
However, the Blues are reluctant to match Kante’s demands due to his fitness problems. The discussions come amid another injury setback for Kante, whose hamstring setback will keep him out until after the World Cup.
The 31-year-old has reportedly accepted that Chelsea do not want to extend his contract and is already searching for a new club, with Barcelona circling.
Chelsea have started preparing for the January transfer window if the duo fail to sign on the dotted line.
They will target two new midfielders and could revive their interest in Ajax star Edson Alvarez who they failed to secure last summer.
