Chelsea now seem to be closing in on the perfect partner for Enzo Fernandez as a move for Manuel Ugarte nears.
That is according to journalist Franco Fernandez, who revealed on Twitter that the Uruguay international is very close to signing a six-year contract with the Blues.
Now – thanks to Squawka’s comparison matrix – it has become apparent that Chelsea could be signing the ideal partner for Enzo Fernandez.
What’s the story?
Well, if you whack both Fernandez and Ugarte into the comparison matrix, it makes for some pretty interesting reading.
As you can see, the Sporting CP No.15 basically excels at everything the Chelsea No.5 is fairly average at doing, mainly interceptions, ball recoveries and take-ons.
If the pair were just a little bit better at aerial duels and recording touches inside the opponent’s box, their combined data would almost make the perfect circle.
Nevertheless – as it is – Ugarte and Fernandez would, statistically at least, appear to be the ideal midfield duo.
Together, they would cover up each other’s weaknesses, handing Mauricio Pochettino a dream partnership in the middle of the park.
Ugarte & Fernandez would help Chelsea tick
Not only would the South American duo help each other look good in midfield, but their presence at the heart of Pochettino’s XI should also help the frontline finally gel.
The Blues have seriously struggled on the goalscoring front this season, netting just 37 goals in the Premier League this season with one game left to play – one more than Erling Haaland has registered on his own.
However, with Ugarte and Fernandez bossing things in midfield, the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling will potentially not have to worry about their defensive duties as much, allowing them to focus on testing the opposition goalkeeper.
In that respect, if Chelsea really are close to signing Ugarte, it could be the most significant bit of business done by the Blues this summer.