Chelsea has been working under the radar for this summer’s transfer window.
“Chelsea have reached a personal agreement with Manuel Ugarte (22, Sporting), who Mauricio Pochettino has requested to join the club,” CutOffside reported on Monday.
Signing a defensive midfielder is one of 안전놀이터 Chelsea’s top targets this summer. The Blues are looking to bring in a midfielder to add stability to their defense and build one of the strongest midfields in Europe alongside Enzo Fernandes.
Ugarte has been touted as one of their top targets. Ugarte’s prolific box-to-box movement and seamless transition into the box has attracted interest from Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool this season.
He’s also on Pochettino’s radar. According to reports, Pochettino personally requested Ugarte’s signature from the club’s hierarchy ahead of his arrival at Chelsea.
Contact was quickly made. “Chelsea have met with Ugarte and Ugarte’s representative Jorge Mendes to reach a personal agreement,” the outlet said.
A transfer fee remains to be agreed. Ugarte has a £52 million ($85 million) buyout clause. However, Chelsea are reportedly willing to negotiate for less than that.
