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.
READ MORE: Manuel Ugarte to Chelsea transfer: Sporting stance, £52m bid, PSG offer, Pochettino phone call
Reports have stated that a move for Caicedo will not be impacted by the arrival of Ugarte at Stamford Bridge as the Blues edge closer to completing a £52million deal for the Uruguayan. According to ESPN, Chelsea are adding solidarity payments and various bonuses as part of their offer for Ugarte which makes their proposition more attractive to Sporting.
The Portuguese outfit are even encouraging and pushing the 22-year-old to choose Chelsea ahead of PSG, who are still hoping to convince him. Ugarte has not yet agreed to anything but a full agreement with the Blues is now 'close' as Pochettino looks to get his summer transfer business underway.
Chelsea were initially facing a concern regarding Ugarte's salary offer with Boehly proposing a £1.7million salary - compared to PSG's offer of £5million. However, the Blues have since improved their offer closer to a £3million wage package which may have been the breakthrough in negotiations they needed to satisfy Pochettino's demand and finalise a deal to sign Ugarte.
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