Chelsea have agreed a deal with Rennes for 19-year-old defensive midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, who might go out on a possible loan.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have paid £23.5 million to sign Rennes midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu. The move came as a surprise as the Blues had been working behind the scenes to seal an agreement with the Ligue 1 side for the 19-year-old.
Chelsea fans are eagerly awaiting any positive news surrounding Chelsea’s pursuit of top target Moises Caicedo, which has been disappointing so far. Instead, they were treated to a rather indifferent signing, as the Premier League giants agreed on a move for Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes.
Ugochukwu is a defensive midfielder who has consistently performed for Rennes over the last two seasons. He made 35 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side, with 28 coming in the league.
He has established himself as a key player for Rennes, who will now receive £23.5 million from Chelsea for the midfielder. The 19-year-old is not the signing fans may have wanted, but if the Blues decide to keep him and integrate him into the first-team squad, they will have good depth in the position.
Chelsea have sealed the agreement to sign 2004 talent Lesley Ugochukwu.
◉ €27/28m fee agreed with Rennes.
◉ Medical tests already booked.
◉ Long term deal also agreed.Loan to Strasbourg or staying at #CFC, decision to be made soon (also with Pochettino).
Here we go 🔵✔️ pic.twitter.com/wTTk8mI85s
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 29, 2023
After many sales in the close season, Chelsea’s midfield options look particularly thin. Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher seem like the only automatic starters for Mauricio Pochettino, who hopes to see Caicedo in the Blue shirt.
Ugochukwu will sign a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge, although whether he will remain here for the season is a question. Chelsea may seek to send him out on loan to further his experience, with Strasbourg the likely destination in that scenario.
They recently sent new arrival Angelo Gabriel on a similar path to the French side under current owners BlueCo. Chelsea are currently focused on Caicedo, having seen their fourth bid rejected by Brighton. They are keen to wrap up the signing of the Ecuadorian, but the path looks tricky.
Some recent reports suggested Caicedo could force a move, but that may seem unlikely. Brighton continues to demand £100 million, which Chelsea are reluctant to meet at this stage. Things could go any way, as Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi indicated he has already considered a replacement for Caicedo.
More reports suggested Chelsea could hijack the Romeo Lavia deal from under Liverpool’s noses, but the Reds are currently favourites to sign the Belgian.
As for Ugochukwu, he seems like a project signing for Chelsea and their owners, although there are chances for him to stay, considering how important he has been for Rennes over the last two seasons.
