Chelsea are now ready to sign Manuel Ugarte from Sporting CP as the Blues aim to fend off interest from PSG and Newcastle.
That is according to Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato.
As we approach what is set to be a very busy summer of recruitment for Chelsea, it appears Ugarte could now be the first arrival at Stamford Bridge.
What’s the story?
Well, it seemed as if Chelsea had lost out on the Uruguay international to PSG, after Portuguese news outlet Record claimed that the French giants had triggered his €60m (£52m) release clause and agreed a five-year contract.
However, it appears Record may have jumped the gun with their story.
Foot Mercato are now claiming that PSG have in fact offered £52m to Sporting CP – however, the Parisians want to pay in instalments, rather than activate the release clause with a lump sum.
That has opened the door for Chelsea to outmuscle PSG, with Aouna now stating that the Blues are ready to trigger his £52m release clause in full and have already told Sporting CP of their intentions.
Ugarte can be another Kante for Chelsea
By all accounts, Ugarte is a very tenacious midfield terrier who thrives at winning the ball back.
The South American has been labelled as a “highly aggressive” player in a detailed scouting report from Breaking The Lines, which is exactly what Chelsea need alongside Enzo Fernandez next season.
In that same report, the Sporting CP No.15 is likened to N’Golo Kante, a player Chelsea fans obviously know very well.
At the age of just 22, Ugarte also has plenty of time to grow into an even better player, so this £52m fee may prove to be a bargain within a few years.
Be sure to keep an eye on the situation, as Chelsea will still need to agree personal terms with the Uruguayan.