Chelsea have now received a major boost in their pursuit of Manuel Ugarte as the Sporting CP No.15 is said to want a move to the Premier League.
That is according to Record in Portugal.
Now – by the sounds of it – a move could be edging closer as Chelsea prepare to bid for Ugarte.
What’s the story?
Well – luckily for Chelsea – the Uruguay international has a fixed release clause worth €60m (£52m) written into his contract, so the Blues will not need to haggle over a fee with Sporting CP.
Chelsea will – however – have to fend off PSG, who are also trying to sign Ugarte.
Record believe both the Parisians and the Blues are ready to bid £52m to trigger the South American’s release clause, so the personal terms offered by both sides will prove to be decisive.
Having said that, Chelsea seem to have a geographical advantage.
The Portuguese news outlet believe Ugarte would prefer to play in the Premier League rather than Ligue 1.
Therefore, should Chelsea offer the 22-year-old a decent contract, it would seem there is a good chance of the deal materialising.
What Ugarte could bring to Chelsea
The Chelsea Chronicle have already published a story labelling Ugarte as a “highly aggressive” midfielder who plays like N’Golo Kante, which gives you a good idea of his strengths.
Interestingly, the Uruguayan has also been compared to Manchester United maestro Casemiro.
That was according to data provided by Sporting Life – who found that Ugarte matches the Brazil international’s best traits statistically in the No.6 role.
Casemiro was instrumental as Manchester United defeated Chelsea 4-1 on Thursday, so if the Blues can get their hands on a similar player in Ugarte, he would surely prove to have a transformative impact at Stamford Bridge.
Be sure to keep an eye on this saga, as Chelsea’s chances of signing the Montevideo-born midfielder appear to be improving.