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Manchester City Transfer News: Napoli Jorginho Deadline Set in Latest Rumours
June 6, 2018
Manchester City have reportedly made a new €55 million (£42 million) bid for Napoli midfielder Jorginho and want an answer from the Serie A side within a week.
The midfielder has emerged as one of City manager Pep Guardiola's top summer targets, but the Premier League champions are willing to walk away if Napoli turn down their latest offer, according to Sky Sport (h/t Jordan Russell at Calciomercato.com).
Jorginho's agent, Joao Santos, has said the two clubs are in negotiations but have not reached an agreement, per Radio Kiss Kiss (h/t Football Italia).
"If Napoli close things with Manchester City, if they find the deal I’m waiting for, then I’ll take over. He [Jorginho] has already given his availability [for a transfer], now we’re just waiting for an agreement between the two clubs. They’re talking now, I hope they can find an agreement.
“Jorginho is the first name on Manchester City’s list, then clearly if they don’t find an agreement with Napoli they’ll move on to someone else because there will surely be other names too."
Goal's Sam Lee said talk of Manchester City having other targets is a negotiating tactic:
Jorginho enjoyed a superb season with Napoli, as he played a key role in their Serie A title challenge. The team finished in second place, just four points behind champions Juventus.
Squawka Football showed how impressive he was in possession:
Guardiola has said he only wants to bring in one or two players in the summer transfer window, per Glen Williams for MailOnline.
Jorginho seems to be one of those targets, although the club does appear to be aware it will be difficult to prise the 26-year-old from Napoli.
Manchester City board member Alberto Galassi said the move could take all summer to complete. "I personally believe if this is done, it'll be a few hours before the transfer deadline," he said, per Sky Sport Italia (h/t Chris Burton at Goal).
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis recently told Corriere dello Sport he has already rejected one offer of "€45 million plus a €5 million bonus" from Manchester City for Jorginho (h/t FourFourTwo).
Napoli must decide whether Manchester City's new bid meets their demands and whether they can risk turning down such a big offer. The Partenopei are clearly in no rush to sell Jorginho and may feel they can hold out for an even bigger sum.