Manuel Ugarte has been linked with a summer move to Chelsea, with the Blues opening talks to seal the deal.
A report from 90min claims that Chelsea have opened talks with Sporting CP regarding a move in the summer transfer window for Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan midfield dynamo has a release clause worth €60 million in his contract.
Apparently, PSG are hoping to sign the 22-year-old midfielder as well. But Chelsea’s pursuit is slightly more advanced. Apparently, the Blues have been keeping tabs on the midfielder even before they appointed manager Mauricio Pochettino.
It is no secret that Chelsea will have to sign a quality midfielder this summer, and Ugarte would be a superb long-term investment. The Uruguayan defensive midfielder has had a fantastic season with Sporting CP, and he impressed with his performances in the Primeira Liga and in the European competitions.
Ugarte was outstanding against Premier League clubs Arsenal and Tottenham in the European competitions. So he certainly has the ability to thrive in the Premier League as well. The midfielder has a €60 million release clause in his current contract. And widespread reports have claimed that Chelsea are prepared to pay his release clause upfront.
Sporting CP are unlikely to let the player leave for cheap, and they will be looking to recoup as much as possible for him. The 22-year-old is a prodigious talent with a massive future ahead of him, and he has all the attributes to develop into a world-class defensive midfielder.
Chelsea need to plan for a future without N’Golo Kante, and Ugarte old seems like the ideal alternative. And talks are already underway between Chelsea and Sporting CP. Kante is yet to sign a new contract with Chelsea, and he could move on as a free agent in the coming weeks. Ugarte will add defensive cover, ball-winning ability, agility and work rate to the Chelsea midfield.
Furthermore, he is only 22 and he is likely to get better with coaching and experience. Working with a top-class coach like Mauricio Pochettino could help accelerate his development. The 51-year-old Argentine manager has done well to nurture talented young players throughout his managerial career. and he could help the sporting cp midfielder improve as well.
The Blues have spent around €600 million on new signings since the change of ownership. So they certainly have the financial resources to beat PSG to his signature. It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds over the next few weeks. Ugarte is likely to be tempted to join a big club this summer. And a move to PSG or Chelsea would represent an exciting opportunity for him.
