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.
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Portuguese outlet Record previously reported that the salary proposals from each team will prove decisive in Ugarte's camp determining which side he signs for this summer and a significant gap in the early offers places the advantage firmly with PSG.
On top of their initial report, Record have now added that there is a £2.6million gap between Chelsea's offer and PSG's. They claim the Parisians are offering €5million (£4.3m), while Chelsea are putting forward €2million (£1.7m), with both offers tax free.
To sign someone with the qualities of Ugarte it really is a small price to pay and if Chelsea match PSG's proposal, it would certainly keep them in the lead for his signature. Sporting CP are already more enticed by Ugarte sealing a move to Chelsea with A Bola reporting, in addition to paying his release clause, Chelsea will offer several bonuses to the Portuguese club.
If the salary difference proves vital and Ugarte joins PSG, the Blues have other midfield targets they could sign instead. Moises Caciedo, Declan Rice, Manu Kone and Romeo Lavia are all alternative options who could fill the vacant midfield slot almost guaranteed to be available alongside Fernandez next season.
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