Chelsea look as though they are starting to make major moves ahead of the summer transfer window opening with their first potential signing identified. As football.london reported at the start of May, the Blues have agreed a deal for Mauricio Pochettino to become their new head coach and plans for the summer appear in full effect already.
A new striker, central midfielder and goalkeeper are the targets for Chelsea and Pochettino, with all three positions in brutal need of options. Injury issues have made the problems in midfield glaringly obvious, while the lack of a real goal scoring threat was brutally exposed in the 4-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford last night (Thursday).
In the first half, the visitors had several good chances but no natural striker leading the line meant that none of the opportunities created got converted. The midfield balance is another issue that Chelsea must solve this summer with Enzo Fernandez often the deep-lying option when in reality he would be of far better use in the attacking third of the pitch.
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On the list of options to fill that role is Moises Caicedo, Declan Rice and Manuel Ugarte and it looks likely that all three could leave their respective clubs this summer. Arsenal have shown strong interest in Caicedo and Rice, while Paris Saint-Germain are pushing to sign Ugarte in the early stages of the window, but they look set to face some stiff competition.
On Thursday, it was claimed by Record in Portugal that Ugarte was close to joining PSG after the Parisians made a €60million (£51m) bid which met his release clause. However, Chelsea have now aggressively hit back in the summer saga, with Portuguese outlet A Bola reporting in addition to paying his release clause, Chelsea will offer several bonuses to Ruben Amorim's side, with Ugarte also said to prefer a Premier League move.
Chelsea scouts have watched the Uruguay international in action on several occasions, with the latest visit likely confirming to most he is the right man to partner Fernandez. Last Sunday, Sporting played host to Benfica for the Lisbon derby which ended 2-2 and saw Ugarte pick up the man of the match award.
The €60million (£51m) release clause also makes Ugarte significantly cheaper than the Blues' other main targets in the engine room. Romeo Lavia has also been considered within west London, especially given his past relationship with Chelsea director Joe Shields, however there is some concern from other members of the Blues' recruitment team.
Despite likely spending at least £50million, if Chelsea were to sign Ugarte it has been suggested that the club may allow Ugarte to re-join Sporting on loan. However, that seems highly unlikely given the 22-year-old's qualities are desperately needed immediately at Stamford Bridge.
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