Setback for Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea are priced out of a move for Manuel Ugarte as the Blues decide against increasing their already significant terms to match a wage offer from Paris Saint-Germain
- Several Chelsea midfielders are now expected to move on from the club
- Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are all set to leave
- Mauricio Pochettino was dealt a blow after missing out on Manuel Ugarte
Chelsea have been priced out of a move for Manuel Ugarte in a setback for new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The Argentine had made Ugarte a priority target and was pushing to bring the midfielder to Stamford Bridge from Sporting Lisbon.
However, Chelsea ended their pursuit of the 22 year-old Uruguayan after deciding not to increase their already significant terms to match a wage offer from Paris Saint-Germain.
Both clubs were prepared to meet Ugarte’s £52m release clause and the player was thought to have been keen on a move to Chelsea.
Pochettino was hoping to add both Ugarte and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo to January signing Enzo Fernandez, with the trio forming the basis of Chelsea’s central midfield options.
The Blues have been priced out of a move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte
New boss Mauricio Pochettino was especially keen on Ugarte and involved in discussions
Mason Mount is one of several Chelsea midfielders expected to leave the club this summer
Mateo Kovacic has been given permission to speak with champions Manchester City
Interest remains in Caicedo who has been told he will be allowed to leave Brighton this summer after they rebuffed bids from Chelsea and Arsenal in January. Brighton want at least £80m for Caicedo.
Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is also admired by Chelsea. Southampton are expected to demand £40m-£50m for the Belgian youngster.
Chelsea’s midfield is set for an overhaul with Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek lined up for moves to Manchester United, Manchester City and AC Milan respectively.
Conor Gallagher is also a wanted man and N’Golo Kante’s contract expires at the end of the month.
