Manuel Ugarte joining Chelsea this summer looked set to become a foregone conclusion, however Mauricio Pochettino has been dealt a setback in the race to sign his priority target. The Argentine's former club Paris Saint-Germain are also showing a strong interest in signing the Sporting CP midfielder, but Ugarte was in favour of a Premier League move after it was revealed both clubs put forward identical proposals.
The 22-year-old has a release clause in his contract that stands at €60million (£51million) and both Chelsea and PSG made their intentions clear early on to meet that price with instalments. The Blues held the early advantage to sign Ugarte with Pochettino even calling him to speak about a transfer to Stamford Bridge.
Acquiring a midfielder is the summer priority for the former Tottenham boss with a new striker and goalkeeper other positions in need of an addition. Ugarte has been identified as the first-choice target in that role with his qualities giving many the belief he can be the perfect partner to Enzo Fernandez.
