Mauricio Pochettino Nails First Signing For Chelsea with Astonishing Price Tag

Mauricio Pochettino is set to make his mark as the new manager of Chelsea with the imminent signing of Manuel Ugarte, thanks to the substantial financial backing of Todd Boehly, the club’s owner.

Following the departure of interim manager Frank Lampard, Pochettino’s appointment at Stamford Bridge is expected to be officially confirmed soon.

Taking over from the sacked Graham Potter, Lampard failed to rejuvenate the struggling Blues during his short tenure.

Chelsea’s disappointing season was further solidified by a lackluster 1-1 draw against Newcastle, which sees them finishing in a dismal 12th place.

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With only 44 points, the Blues have recorded their lowest-ever tally in the Premier League. Lampard’s solitary victory in eleven matches as manager further accentuates the need for a turnaround.

Pochettino faces the daunting task of resurrecting the faltering club, which has spent over £500 million on transfers since Boehly assumed control.

The squad, however still exhibits several weaknesses that require immediate attention, particularly in the midfield department.

With the potential departures of Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount, Pochettino wasted no time in pursuing a deal to bolster his midfield options.

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Sporting’s rising star, Manuel Ugarte, has caught the Argentine’s eye, and negotiations are progressing rapidly.

Ugarte, a talented defensive midfielder, has enjoyed a stellar season with the Portuguese giants, attracting interest from several top clubs including PSG, Aston Villa, and Liverpool.

Despite PSG’s €60 million offer on the table, it is Chelsea who appear to be closing in on securing the services of the talented Uruguayan.

Respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed Chelsea’s pursuit of Ugarte, stating, “Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino has approved Manuel Ugarte as a target.

Chelsea are in talks with the club and player representatives, with Jorge Mendes involved. PSG’s offer is still on the table, but Chelsea will persist in their pursuit.”

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Sporting holds Ugarte in high regard, but with a release clause of €60 million (£52 million) in his contract, they cannot prevent his departure this summer.

Reports from Portugal suggest that Chelsea is close to reaching an agreement for the 22-year-old midfielder, with the deal expected to be finalized as early as next week.

To secure Ugarte’s signature, Boehly is reportedly willing to pay an inflated fee of £65 million (€75 million), surpassing his release clause by £13 million (€15 million).

While neither club has officially confirmed the reports, Sporting manager Rubin Amorim acknowledged the challenges of retaining a player of Ugarte’s caliber, stating, “I cannot comment on this matter as it is beyond my control.

We know it is difficult to keep players like Ugarte; several clubs are interested. Our objective is to sell, especially considering our failure to qualify for the Champions League, which complicates matters. I have conveyed my desires to the management.”

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Chelsea closing on Manuel Ugarte transfer

Picking up the tale, trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has had his say.

“Understand Manuel Ugarte has been approved as target also by Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino #CFC,” he wrote.

“Chelsea are pushing in talks with club and player side, Jorge Mendes’ on it.

“PSG proposal, still valid on the table.

“No decision yet, but Chelsea will keep insisting.”

Sporting value Ugarte highly and a €60m (£52m) clause in his deal means they are unable to block his exit this summer.

Should the move materialize, Ugarte is expected to sign a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, committing his future to Chelsea until the summer of 2029.

The transfer would also see the Uruguayan midfielder’s salary increase significantly, with a proposed deal worth £150,000 per week.

On the other hand, Ugarte’s arrival could pave the way for Kovacic’s departure from Stamford Bridge after five seasons, with a potential return to his former club, Inter Milan, emerging as a viable option.