Everton will reportedly look to sign 20-year-old French midfield prospect Lesley Ugochukwu from Chelsea in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, Lesley Ugochukwu is the subject of interest from Everton. The Toffees are keen on signing a midfielder in the summer transfer window and have set their sights on the young midfielder. Chelsea will likely sanction a loan deal for the 20-year-old to help him gain first-team experience.
Lesley Ugochukwu and his Chelsea struggles
Lesley Ugochukwu has struggled for prominence since joining Chelsea from Stade Rennais last summer. A native of Rennes, he began his youth career at ASPTT Rennes before embarking on a short spell at CPB Nord Ouest Foot. However, the Frenchman spent most of his formative years with Stade Rennais, joining the Ligue 1 outfit in 2012.
The 20-year-old spent over a decade with Stade Rennais before joining Chelsea last summer. However, the youngster has fallen victim to the West London club’s talent hoarding, as he struggled to feature in the 2023/24 season. Ugochukwu has managed only 567 minutes of game time thus far for Chelsea in 15 appearances.
So, it is hardly surprising that the French midfield prospect faces an uncertain future at Chelsea in the summer transfer window. Recent reports also claimed the West London club offered him to AC Milan. The latest update has linked Ugochukwu with a move across the Premier League, with Everton interested in him.
Move across Premier League on the horizon?
Everton’s interest in Lesley Ugochukwu is understandable. The Toffees have been scouring the market for a midfielder heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Amadou Onana. With the Belgian international closing in on joining Aston Villa, Everton must sign a replacement.
Several candidates, including Florentino Luis, have thus emerged on Everton’s radar. The Toffees have now set their sights on Ugochukwu. And a summer move might be on the cards, with Chelsea open to loaning him out.
A loan move across the Premier League might benefit all three parties as Ugochukwu can secure regular game time and earn first-team experience. Meanwhile, Everton will land a short-term replacement for Onana and improve things on the financial front before pursuing a permanent move next summer.
