Photo: Chelsea FC

Chelsea today confirmed the signing of Jorginho from Napoli as the midfield star signed a five-year deal with the club.

Manchester City were believed to be in the front row to sign Jorginho before Chelsea hijacked the deal. Pep Guardiola had identified the Italy international as his primary midfield target following his eye-catching displays against City in last season’s Champions League and even singled the 26-year-old out for glowing praise in a game where Napoli troubled City.

Reports claim Manchester City are crying foul play after Chelsea announced the signing of the man who was Serie A’s best passer of the ball last season.

According to Goal, City believe the new Chelsea signing was ‘bullied’ into joining Sarri at Stamford Bridge and cite ‘an unprecedented lack of professionalism’ on the part of Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis.

The report claims City believe Jorginho was handed an ultimatum by De Laurentiis and told to join Sarri in west London or see out the final two years of his contract.