Chelsea look set to beat Paris Saint-Germain to the signing of Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Both teams are willing to pay the 22-year-old's £52million release clause with Sporting resigned to losing the Uruguayan this summer.
Mauricio Pochettino is a huge admirer of Ugarte and wants to partner him alongside Enzo Fernandez at Stamford Bridge. The Argentine is edging closer to completing his first signing as Chelsea manager before he officially begins his role on July 1.
Pochettino wants to sign a new central midfielder, striker and goalkeeper this summer, football.london understands - with further additions depending on outgoings as Todd Boehly looks to trim down the squad. Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and N'Golo Kante could all leave the club ahead of next season with Brighton's Moises Caicedo still on Chelsea's shortlist this summer.
