Chelsea are preparing for a busy summer transfer window with Todd Boehly set to move on a number of players whilst adding more signings to the squad. Mauricio Pochettino will be working on transfer plans that can help the Blues return towards the top of the Premier League table next season.
As many as 10 players could be sold this summer with Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Cesar Azpilicueta, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante all facing uncertain futures. The latter's contract is set to expire this summer with there yet to be a breakthrough in negotiations over an extension.
With a number of midfielders expected to leave the club, Manuel Ugarte has emerged as a potential candidate to complete a move to Stamford Bridge. Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United have all registered an interest in signing the 22-year-old - who has a £52million release clause in his contract at Sporting CP.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, Pochettino has already approved a move for Ugarte as he looks to add a new midfielder to the Chelsea squad. The Blues are now pushing to sign the Uruguay international with talks planned with the player and Sporting CP.
Uruguayan transfer insider Franco Fernandez claimed last week that the Blues are the frontrunners to acquire Ugarte's services and that a deal could be thrashed out as early as this week. He tweeted: "Manuel Ugarte was on the bench [against Vizela], he did not see minutes waiting for his future for the transfer period - his arrival at Chelsea could be confirmed next week."
Sporting boss Ruben Amorim has already admitted it is hard for the Portuguese club to keep hold of Ugarte this summer with clubs across Europe registering an interest in signing the midfielder. The 22-year-old has a £52million release clause in his contract which PSG and Chelsea are willing to match, according to the Express.
"I cannot comment on this issue, because it is beyond me. Now, we know that it is difficult to keep players like Ugarte," Amorim told Ojogo.
"Not just one club is interested, but several. Our objective is to sell, knowing that we missed the Champions League and it makes everything more difficult. I know what I want for the team and I have already conveyed that to the management."
Ugarte has been compared to Casemiro following his performances in a holding midfield role for Sporting this season - matching the United star in a number of key metrics which could see him become the perfect replacement for Kante if the Frenchman leaves Chelsea.
The youngster can progress forward with his ball carrying - he often drives through the middle to create overloads by attempting an impressive 8.4 dribbles per 90 minutes. The Sporting star is exceptional at recovering the ball, especially with his tackling, attempting an average of more than eight recoveries per 90 minutes, the highest in the Primeira Liga.
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