Chelsea could beat PSG in race to sign Manuel Ugarte

The English club are willing to pay his €60m release clause with bonuses to Sporting.

The rebuilding phase of Chelsea started in 2022, American billionaire Todd Boehly officially completed the takeover of Chelsea (£4.25 billion) after Roman Abramovich left the club, and this deal became the most expensive team transaction in professional sports.

Since arriving at Chelsea, Boehly has spent over $600 million on transfers, barely a day has gone by when we don't hear news about Chelsea trying to sign a new player. Denis Zakaria, Datro Fofana, Aubameyang, Joao Felix, Enzo Fernandez, and Mudryk are some of the players who have committed to their future at Chelsea.

Interest around Europe for the 22-year-old

Chelsea may have world-class players already but that won't stop them from trying to acquire more, with the Uruguayan International, Manuel Ugarte, one of the latest names linked with the Blues. PSG and Liverpool have also contacted the player's representatives, making him a priority signing this summer transfer window.

Manuel Ugarte is a defensive midfielder who plays for the Portuguese club, Sporting CP, in the Primeira Liga and Uruguay national team. He came through Club Atlético Fénix's youth academy, got promoted to senior team in 2016, and in December 2021, he joined Famalicao and following an impressive half-season he signed for Sporting CP, winning the Taca da Liga in his first season.

Manuel Ugarte has earned a lot of respect, fame in Portugal as a proper defensive midfielder for Sporting, his performances helped Sporting knock out Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team in the Europa League, Round of 16, which was one of the upsets of the season considering the form Arsenal were in during that time.

Chelsea are lacking a proper defensive midfielder, N'Golo Kante was not much involved this season due to his injury, given his uncertain future and his physical state. Adding a defensive midfielder is a long overdue priority for Chelsea with a lot of players out of contract this summer.

Manuel Ugarte can be considered a right decision for Chelsea, he's been Europe's most tenacious ball winner in terms of quantity, very good in terms of ball recoveries, and ground duels. On an average, he competes in 2-2.5 ground duels which is more than Caicedo and Rice, and averages about 7.5 duels per 90 minutes.

Mauricio Pochettino will look to add the young midfielder, who can play a vital role in the way Pochettino works and settle well in his system of playing. Ugarte's addition can solve their midfield problems and help them fight for the Top four next season, which they missed this season.