It was no coincidence that Chelsea’s unveiling of Jorginho, their new £57 million midfielder, took place just three hours after the club had announced the appointment of Maurizio Sarri as manager. Here were two exciting arrivals, both from Napoli, and the message from Chelsea to the world was clear: the new gaffer has already had an impact.

There can be no doubt over Jorginho’s motives for rejecting Manchester City in favour of Chelsea and a season in the Europa League. Under Sarri’s guidance at Napoli, the Brazil-born midfielder had blossomed into one of Europe’s most coveted players, and had risen to such heights in Italy that he was even anointed as the heir to the great Andrea Pirlo. It speaks volumes of the 26-year-old’s regard for Sarri that he declined the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola, a man with some track record for developing creative midfielders.

That summer snub has clearly stung City and Guardiola, who saw Jorginho as the long-term successor to Fernandino at the base of their midfield. After weeks of negotiations, City had finally agreed a deal with Napoli and the move was all but done. But then, with the pen hovering over the dotted line, Jorginho had a Sarri-induced change of heart.