A major twist in the transfer saga surrounding Sporting CP star Manuel Ugarte has been confirmed late on Sunday evening.
And the news will come as a blow to all of those hopeful of seeing the midfield enforcer take his talents to England, with Chelsea.
Ugarte’s name has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines at Stamford Bridge over the course of the last week.
This came amid mounting claims that Chelsea were closing on a deal to bring the Uruguayan to west London.
Ahead of the predicted exits of the likes of Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount, Ugarte, it is understood, was identified as a prime midfield target on the part of Todd Boehly and co.
If the latest word stemming from the media on Sunday night is anything to go by, however, then the Blues, at the last, look set to miss out.
As confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, PSG ‘are now in the lead to sign’ the 22-year-old.
Chelsea, for their part, have pulled out of the race for Ugarte’s signature, after learning of the superior offer tabled by their counterparts at the Parc des Princes.
Breaking: Chelsea are pulling out of the Manuel Ugarte race, PSG are now in the lead to sign the player! 🚨🔵🇺🇾 #CFC
Player was open to Chelsea move — but PSG have offered more and Chelsea are not willing to pay well above what they consider Ugarte’s “market rate”. pic.twitter.com/XYaSuSgoAY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2023
A €60 million deal to send the Sporting talent to Paris, as a result, could be announced as early as this week.
Paris Saint-Germain are now working to close in on Manuel Ugarte deal at the beginning of next week. Chelsea have left the race, as things stand. 🚨🔴🔵 #PSG
PSG, offering better terms to the player — but still in talks to finalize deal with Sporting around €60m fee. pic.twitter.com/dW1BGEC5O5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2023
