Manuel Ugarte could be on his way out of Sporting CP at the end of the season and Chelsea are one of the clubs linked with a move for him.
The Blues are reportedly looking to bring in the talented young defensive midfielder this summer and they are now prepared to pay more than his release clause in order to sign him. As per A Bola (h/t SportWitness), Chelsea are ready to sweeten the deal for Sporting CP by offering them a player on loan.
Ugarte has been linked with other Premier League clubs as well but Chelsea have the financial muscle to get ahead of the competition and get the deal done.
The Blues are yet to agree on a new contract with N’Golo Kante and the French defensive midfielder will be a free agent in the summer. The Blues must start planning for a future without him and Ugarte seems like the ideal profile.
The 22-year-old is excellent when it comes to breaking up the opposition’s play and winning the ball back. Furthermore, his ability to press the opposition and drive forward with the ball makes him a good fit. Chelsea are expected to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their manager next season, and Ugarte certainly fits into the Argentine’s style of play.
Pochettino prefers pressing football and he needs midfielders with a high work rate and the ability to win the ball high up the pitch. Ugarte seems tailor-made for him.
The player has a €60 million release clause in his contract and it remains to be seen how much Chelsea end up paying for his services eventually. There is no doubt the 22-year-old is a world-class talent with a bright future ahead of him and he could end up justifying the significant outlay in the long run.
