Daniele Rugani has played down speculation that he could be the next player to leave Serie A to join Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea.
Sarri brought in Jorginho from his former club Napoli last summer and has now also captured Gonzalo Higuain, who also played under him at the Naples club.
Rugani was linked with Chelsea after Sarri took over as head coach and there continues to be speculation in Italy that the Juventus defender could move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
That speculation has been fuelled by reports that Italy international Rugani is learning English.
However, he has played down the significance of that – and insisted there was no approach from Chelsea for him last year.
“I didn’t receive any call from Sarri,” Rugani said, as reported by calciomercato.com
“I am studying English but that’s not linked with work. I think it’s something important for my personal growth and for general culture.”
Sarri, meanwhile, is convinced striker Higaun can make an impact at Chelsea.
“For sure he is one of the best strikers in my career,” Sarri said at a press conference.
“He is a very strong striker, especially in my first season at Napoli. He did very well – he scored 36 goals in 35 matches in Serie A. In the season he scored 39 goals.
“He played four seasons for Real Madrid, so I think he has the right experience to play here.
“We hope he will score goals for us but he is also good in terms of playing with other players.”