Chelsea could play a massive role in Pjanic’s future
Chelsea is emerging as a possible destination for Miralem Pjanic, but the Blues may play a different role in the Bosnian’s future.
Rumors linking Chelsea with a move for Pjanic are picking up steam amidst Maurizio Sarri’s interest in a reunion with Jorginho. If the club’s vice-captain wants to leave, its unlikely Frank Lampard will prevent him from doing so. As a corresponding move, Juventus would ideally like to offload Pjanic. Thus far, the three most notable clubs linked to the midfielder are Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
The consensus amongst fans is that the Blues should stay far away from the 30-year-old. However, Chelsea could play a massive role in where Pjanic ends up, regardless of whether or not he comes to Stamford Bridge. Consequently, Pjanic could ultimately decide the fate of a Chelsea midfielder.
One of the Blues’ biggest flops in recent history is rumored to be on his way out this summer. Tiemoue Bakayoko is set to leave Stamford Bridge after an unsuccessful season with the Blues and multiple failed loan spells. Monaco is struggling financially due to the impact of COVID-19 and therefore cannot afford to pay the permanent transfer fee in his loan agreement. Thus, PSG is on high alert and rumored to want to pull the trigger on a move for the 25-year-old.
If PSG moves for Bakayoko it’s unlikely Pjanic finds his way to Paris, as well. This forces Juventus to look for other suitors for Pjanic. But, if PSG prefers the Bosnian, the roles reverse. The Blues will be looking for other clubs to take the Frenchman off their hands. That’ll likely result in Chelsea losing a few million pounds, if the club can find suitors for the flop. If the Paris club pays the transfer fee the Blues are asking for Bakayoko, all eyes turn back to Pjanic.
The two main remaining players in the Bosnian sweepstakes are Chelsea and Barcelona, if this happens. Swapping Jorginho (28 years old) for Pjanic (30) makes little sense for the Blues, especially considering the depth at midfield already. For this reason, one can effectively count the west London club out of the race.
That leaves Barcelona. As many Barcelona critics point out, the Blaugranes don’t have much use for another relatively old midfielder. Barcelona’s links to Pjanic seem to mirror those with Willian. While the club may be interested in the player, something behind the scenes is going to prevent the rumors from ever seriously progressing.
Sarri and Juventus would have a sticky situation on their hands should none of the three major players make a move for Pjanic. Essentially, the Blues, Bakayoko and Paris Saint-Germain are at the center of Juventus’ midfield moves this transfer window with Barcelona representing a secondary player.
Next. Chelsea: Miralem Pjanic, Jorginho, and Billy Gilmour all connected. dark
If this is truly how the situation plays out, the Blues should sell Bakayoko to PSG. Further, Chelsea should either hang onto Jorginho or cash in on him. Any other outcome is less than ideal for the summer market given the current circumstances at the club.