According to Nizaar Kinsella on the London is Blue Podcast, Chelsea will make a “big push” for Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The Blues have been linked with the Uruguayan international, with the club ready to pay the midfielders £52 Million release clause.
This comes after the Blues already agreed to sign Christopher Nkunku, who is set to be made official as a new Chelsea player in the near future.
Chelsea Set to Make ‘Big Push’ for Manuel Ugarte
Ugarte Looks Set to Depart Sporting CP
Chelsea are ready to make a big push for 22-year-old midfielder Ugarte. The Sporting CP midfielder has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and French champions Paris Saint-Germain. Brazilian journalist Bruno Andrade recently reported that despite the interest from the French champions, Chelsea remain very much in the race for Ugarte having flown a club representative to Lisbon for talks. The update from Kinsella also seems to suggest that Pochettino’s men are very much in the race for the Uruguayan international and will make their big push for him.
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The Uruguayan midfielder joined Sporting CP from fellow Portuguese side Famalicao for just over £5 million in the summer of 2021. During his two seasons in Lisbon, the midfielder has made 85 appearances for the club. The 2022/23 season saw Ugarte impress, making 47 appearances in all competitions. The Uruguayan midfielder looks set to depart Lisbon after two years, which saw him collect a Portuguese League Cup winners medal.
Midfield Must Be a Priority; What Qualities Ugarte Offers
Chelsea have struggled in many areas this season, with players underperforming or injured. The midfield area has struggled for continuity throughout the campaign, with injuries to N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic. January signing Enzo Fernandez has impressed since he joined but needs support to allow him to influence the game further forward. Ugarte could be the perfect midfield partner for Enzo.
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The Uruguayan international, described as “outstanding,” would be a welcome addition to the Stamford Bridge squad. His work rate and aggression would be a vital weapon for a Chelsea team that have been outworked by the opposition throughout the season. Despite the interest from other teams in Ugarte, it appears The Blues are still in the race and ready to push on with their pursuit of the Sporting CP midfielder.
