According to A Bola, Manuel Ugarte is leaving Sporting CP for £52 Million. The Uruguayan international was left out of the club’s starting lineup for their final game of the season against Vizela. According to Fabrizio Romano, incoming Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has approved the pursuit of Ugarte.
Manuel Ugarte Says His Goodbyes as Pochettino Approves
Understand Manuel Ugarte has been approved as target also by Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino 🚨🔵 #CFC
Chelsea are pushing in talks with club and player side, Jorge Mendes’ on it.
🇫🇷 PSG proposal, still valid on the table.
No decision yet, but Chelsea will keep insisting. pic.twitter.com/WEV6KXQkYm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2023
Chelsea Set to Continue Ugarte Pursuit
Chelsea look set to continue their pursuit of Uruguayan midfielder Ugarte now that the player has reportedly received the seal of approval from Pochettino. Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha have previously reported that Ugarte would sign a five-year contract to join Paris Saint-Germain. However, Brazilian journalist Bruno Andrade has insisted that Chelsea remain very much in the race for the Uruguayan international and are prepared to match the £52 Million price tag.
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The report from A Bola also states that the transfer of Ugarte should be completed in the next few weeks, with a decision needed from the player if he prefers Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain. Following the final whistle in the Vizela game, Ugarte seemed isolated from his teammates as he seemingly waved goodbye and said farewell to the Sporting CP supporters.
Midfield Must Be a Priority; Manuel Ugarte Could Be the Man to Improve Chelsea
Chelsea have struggled throughout the season in midfield, with players underperforming, and key injuries to players like N’Golo Kante. January signing Enzo Fernandez has impressed but has often cut a lonely figure in the Stamford Bridge midfield. Bringing in a player with Ugarte’s skillset would free Enzo up – to influence the game further forward and showcase his passing ability.
Read More: Chelsea Could Decide to Let Edouard Mendy Leave Amid Contract Tensions
Ugarte has been described as a “defensive monster,” who would be a welcome addition to the Stamford Bridge midfield. The 22-year-old has impressed during his two years in Lisbon. He would bring a high work rate and much-needed aggression to a Chelsea team that has been visibly lacking this season. According to various reports, it appears Chelsea are very much in the race for Ugarte, but it remains to be seen where the player sees his future.
