Chelsea Close to Beating PSG in Signing Manuel Ugarte: Sources

Chelsea are closing in on signing Sporting CP defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte, sources have told ESPN.

Both the London side and French champions Paris Saint-Germain have offered to activate the Uruguayan international’s release clause of 60 million euros. Unlike the Parisians, however, Chelsea are adding solidarity payments and various bonuses that make their proposition more attractive, the sources said.

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Sporting even encourages and pressures Ugarte to choose Chelsea over PSG, who are still hoping to convince him, the sources add. The 22-year-old has yet to agree any deal but, according to sources, he is already close to a full deal with Chelsea.

New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is said to be a big fan of Ugarte, who will line up alongside British signing Enzo Fernández in Chelsea’s midfield next season if he decides to join the club.

Despite spending over £600m to sign 17 players in the last 12 months since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over the club, it is set to be another failed summer at Chelsea.

Much of that transformation appears to be focused on the team’s midfield with Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic close to leaving.

Mount’s existing deal expires next summer and Chelsea would rather cash now than lose him for nothing in 2024 if an agreement cannot be reached on an extension, sources told ESPN, with Manchester United in the top position for his signing.

Sources also told ESPN that Manchester City are in talks to sign Croatian international Kovacic.