Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are set to lock horns for the signature of Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer. Despite their bottom-half finish in the Premier League, Todd Boehly's side will continue to compete with Europe's elite.
It's understood that each interested party will meet the £51 million release clause in Ugarte's contract, albeit through instalments. Portuguese outlet Record recently reported that there is currently a £2.6m gap between Chelsea's offer and PSG's - with the French champions offering £4.3m compared to the £1.7m in England.
New Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has taken proceedings into his own hands by calling the 22-year-old himself in a bid to convince him to join him at Stamford Bridge.
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Competing with a club of the stature that PSG are, financially, makes their pursuit in Ugarte a difficult one. However, the Parisians' moves elsewhere could work in their favour between now and the end of the summer transfer window.
Following yet another disappointing season in the Champions League, PSG are likely to pull out all the stocks to make them a European powerhouse. With Lionel Messi and Neymar expected to leave Paris, their squad could have a new-look approach about it by next season.
Putting together moves for young, quality French talent seems to be the next strategy utilised at the Parc des Princes. The majority of incomings in recent years have been overseas assets, with their last France international signed before Nordi Mukiele being Mbappe in 2017.
That's why it's no surprise to see Arsenal centre-back William Saliba, once again, linked with a move to Paris. The Gunners star has enjoyed a sensational first season in England, with his injury in March subsequently fracturing the north Londoners' Premier League title charge.
Chelsea's London rivals have already confirmed new contracts for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Aaron Ramsdale, though Saliba's extension is yet to be confirmed. According to The Sun, Arsenal are 'shocked' by the centre-back's demands and have become fearful of PSG's interest.
The Ligue 1 champions have demonstrated in the past - and with Ugarte - that they are not scared to offer out sensational wage packages. It's reported that Saliba's representatives want more than the £120,000 offered. PSG will feel they can offer more.
A move for Saliba would cost them close to $100m - CIES Football Observatory valued the 22-year-old at $85m. UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules mean the Qatari-backed club would not be able to justify moves for Saliba and Ugarte, which would total close to $150m.
Should PSG opt to sign Saliba from Arsenal, it would leave Pochettino with an open door to make Ugarte his first official signing as manager at Stamford Bridge.
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