Jorginho plays down reports he is set to leave Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has played down speculation linking him with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Reports in Italy suggest Maurizio Sarri is keen to sign him for Juventus.

Jorginho previously played under Juve boss Sarri at Chelsea and Napoli and has been tipped to return to Serie A this summer.

“There have been rumours but I haven’t heard anything,” Jorginho told Chelsea’s website.

“I am just focusing on finishing the season well with Chelsea and qualifying for the Champions League.

“I just have to stay focused on when the teams need me.”

Jorginho being overlooked since the season resumed has fuelled speculation that he is likely to be sold when the transfer window reopens.

Chelsea boss explains choice

With N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic both out injured, boss Frank Lampard opted to start with youngster Billy Gilmour rather than Jorginho against Crystal Palace.

However, Jorginho was brought on when Chelsea were under late pressure at Selhurst Park, where they held on for a 3-2 win.

Lampard praised him for his contribution and insisted the player’s omission should not be taken as an indication that he has no future at the club.

“I’ve got to make difficult choices. It doesn’t mean anything about the future of Jorginho, Billy or anyone else,” Lampard said.

“The two games Billy played before lockdown, against Liverpool – who are the best team in the world – and Everton, (he was) fantastic.

“He trains like that as well. So does Jorginho – they train really well.

“You saw the impact Jorginho had calming the team when he came on at the end. I know he can give us that.”

Kepa save ‘could be big’

There has been speculation too over the future of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalga.

The Spaniard was dropped earlier this season by Lampard and has looked unconvincing at times.

But Lampard hopes a crucial late save Kepa produced at Palace will signal an upturn.

Lampard said: “It can be big. It can be important.

“Confidence is huge when you’re in that individual position.

“He should be boosted and his team-mates should be boosted because he at the end of the day saved us a group two points.

“I’m really pleased with him. We need that. To be a top team we need our keeper making those sort of saves to pull you through and he did that today.”

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