Mauricio Pochettino has been sent a clear transfer message by Chelsea supporters following the decision to leave negotiations for Manuel Ugarte. Paris Saint-Germain were firmly locked in a battle to acquire his signature with the Blues, but that is no longer the case with the latter pulling out of signing the Sporting CP because of PSG's massive personal terms offer.
According to Record in Portugal, PSG were first offering a package of €5million (£4.3m), while Chelsea were putting forward €2million (£1.7m). Despite the significant gap, the Blues always appeared to have an advantage, however PSG's latest proposal which was a staggering €10million (£8.6m) was considered too much by Chelsea and thus they pulled out of the race.
Two midfield additions does seem highly possible in west London given the need for further recruitment is already there and the fact that Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mateo Kovacic are likely to depart. Also on the list of options, alongside Ugarte, is Moises Caicedo, Declan Rice, Manu Kone and Romeo Lavia.
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London rivals Arsenal are the favourites to sign Rice, while the other three are all also expected to leave their respective clubs. Brighton are demanding an offer in the region of £80million for Caicedo, but his tantalizing 2022/23 season on the south coast certainly warrants that valuation.
There is some disappointment from supporters that the Ugarte deal fell through, however most appear pleased by the news as it opens the door for Chelsea to give everything towards signing Caicedo instead. Here is how Chelsea fans reacted to the news about Ugarte.
@CFCArty_ - Seemed very odd from the beginning that Ugarte would've been Caicedo's backup. Makes even more sense if we get Lavia as backup. Just get Caicedo at any costs he's the gamechanger
@SS____899 - Right move Get Lavia + Caicedo like I said from day 1 instead
@jandro9584 - Both Caicedo and Ugarte would be so nice. Frustrating that we aren’t getting Ugarte because of wage demands
@prodyut28 - It's ok. PSG will always offer more than most clubs. It's important to maintain a steady wage structure for the future. And if figures reported are true 10 million is way too much .
@Theladsinblue - I would’ve been happy if we decided to get Ugarte but I think I’ll be even happier if we get Caicedo
@Cfc_R1chards - Caicedo it has to be but I’d take Lavia as a backup
@brycent_ - I would rather see Chelsea lose Ugarte if it means we don’t overpay. If anything it’s a sign that they are learning from their mistakes. + Caciedo has proven PL experience, makes much more sense to bring him in for a slightly higher fee. Best of luck to Ugarte
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