Chelsea and Arsenal engage in awkward transfer triangle
Chelsea have already spent a fortune on transfers this summer, but Arsenal may help the Blues make one more big move before the window slams shut.
Arsenal and Chelsea are rivals on the pitch, but the pair of Premier League clubs could be set to do one another a strange favor in the transfer market. If Chelsea are successful in their quest to pry Declan Rice away from West Ham, they could subsidize the move by shipping Jorginho to Arsenal.
According to The Mirror, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is a “huge admirer” of Rice. He sees the young Englishman as the missing piece to add steel to his midfield ahead of the arduous Premier League campaign. West Ham don’t want to let Rice go, but they’ll be powerless to stop him if Chelsea make a massive offer.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is anxious to strengthen his midfield as well. Jorginho isn’t the only option he’s considering, but the Gunners need to offload players before they can afford to make another sizable purchase. They might benefit from negotiations between Chelsea and West Ham dragging on a bit.
Jorginho may not be the midfield destroyer that Arsenal really crave, but he can give Arteta’s side more industry in the middle of the park. He was a crucial member of Chelsea’s squad under Maurizio Sarri, but to his credit, he’s remained influential under Lampard as well. Jorginho could benefit from a new lease on life under Arteta’s watchful eye.
The question now becomes whether or not Chelsea will really be willing to spend the funds required to get this transfer train reaction started. The Blues aren’t afraid to splash serious cash when it’s on the right player, but Rice isn’t exactly a slick attacker that will electrify the club’s fan base. He can inject substance into Lampard’s side, but he won’t be scoring stylish goals to justify his transfer fee.
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Despite that fact, expect Chelsea to make a good offer to West Ham in the coming days. If their bid is successful, Jorginho should be on his way to Arsenal soon after. This strange transfer triangle should benefit everyone involved, with the possible exception of West Ham.