Manuel Ugarte's Transfer to PSG Nearing Completion as Chelsea Retreat from Agreement

According to sources, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is closing in on midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Sporting CP, after Chelsea decided to withdraw their interest in the 22-year-old player. It was reported that PSG had agreed to personal terms with Ugarte in the previous month, making him one of their main transfer targets. However, Chelsea posed as a rival with their attempts to strengthen their central midfield options and presented Sporting with an offer for Ugarte. Despite Chelsea's offer, the player and his representatives continued to push for a move to PSG.

The source has now confirmed that Chelsea is no longer pursuing the deal, allowing PSG to finalize the details of Ugarte's transfer. PSG is set to offer Ugarte significantly higher wages than what Chelsea had proposed.

Meanwhile, Chelsea head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has other shortlisted players to choose from. Brighton's Moises Caicedo and West Ham's Declan Rice are seen as preferred targets for Chelsea. Other potential options include Youssouf Fofana from Monaco, Ibrahim Sangare from PSV Eindhoven, Romeo Lavia from Southampton, and Edson Alvarez from Ajax, who is expected to join Borussia Dortmund.

This summer, strengthening the midfield is a key focus for Chelsea as they are preparing to say goodbye to Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Both players are being targeted by Manchester City and AC Milan, respectively. Additionally, there is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher.

The contract negotiations for N'Golo Kante, whose contract expires this summer, have stalled at Stamford Bridge. As a result, the midfielder is reportedly considering his options and has attracted interest from PSG and clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Don't miss this week's Talking Transfers edition, part of the 90min podcast network, where Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey to discuss Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Alexis Mac Allister, Karim Benzema, William Saliba & more!

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