Sporting midfielder Manuel Ugarte reportedly wants to join Chelsea over Paris Saint-Germain this summer, sparking optimism he could become the first arrival of the Mauricio Pochettino regime. The Argentine was finally confirmed as Chelsea’s new head coach on Monday after weeks of exhausting speculation and now he is set to begin reshaping his underperforming squad ahead of his imminent arrival in west London.
It’s understood Pochettino has already sanctioned a big-money swoop for Uruguay international ball-winner Ugarte, who has quickly emerged as one of the brightest talents in the Primeira Liga this season.
Ugarte has starred in the absence of Joao Palhinha following his transfer to Fulham last summer and now the 22-year-old looks set to earn Sporting another mega pay-day.
According to Record in Portugal, Chelsea are offering £62million plus £4m in add-ons for Ugarte, who is also attracting strong interest from PSG.
Yet it’s also claimed the Blues have floated loaning striker David Datro Fofana as part of the proposal in a bid to beat the French giants to the punch.
Fofana joined the club from Malmo in an £11m deal in January but only featured three times in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old Ivorian needs to continue playing regularly – as he did in Sweden – in order to fulfil his potential and his opportunities are likely to be limited at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will feel confident of landing the player now though amid reports Ugarte would favour joining the Blues over PSG.
Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham have all previously been earmarked as potential suitors for the combative midfielder but the three Premier League clubs have now seemingly been left behind.
Pochettino needs to overhaul his midfield at Chelsea this summer with Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic on course to depart Stamford Bridge.
N’Golo Kante is also yet to sign a contract extension with his current deal up at the end of the season.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also heading for the exit door with AC Milan in talks to finalise a transfer.
Chelsea need to prioritise player sales this summer if they wish to consider spending excessively.
Pochettino does also have other midfielders on his Chelsea wish-list including Liverpool target Alexis Mac Allister.
The Brighton World Cup winner is set to resolve his future in the coming days and weeks alongside father and agent Carlos, who is due in the UK from Argentina.
Youssoff Fofana, Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo are also on Chelsea’s radar as they look to bolster their numbers in the middle of the park.
Chelsea have already previously seen bids rejected for Lavia and Caicedo but their futures are up for debate once again this summer.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Football News Click Here
