Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly set to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder, Manuel Ugarte ahead of Chelsea when the summer transfer window opens.
According to ESPN, the French outfit is poised to prevail in the competition to recruit Manuel Ugarte from Sporting Club after submitting an improved offer that ‘forced’ Chelsea to withdraw.
Both teams are eager to exercise the midfielder’s €60 million release clause. But Chelsea believed they had beaten PSG to the punch by tying their offer with bonuses.
ESPN has learned from sources that PSG have submitted a new offer that is “significantly more” than Chelsea’s best offer. Because the Premier League club is no longer willing to pay what they now perceive to be an excessive sum.
Additionally, sources have refuted claims that Chelsea offered to purchase a stake in Sporting in lieu of the deal.
Ugarte has expressed his interest in joining Chelsea. But PSG are currently in the lead and are finalizing the conditions of personal terms.
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The decision is somewhat of a setback for new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is rumored to be a huge fan of Ugarte.
However, the club’s choice may also signal a little shift in strategy. Given Chelsea’s increased restraint in their dealings after spending close to £600 million on 17 players during the first season under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership.
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