Chelsea set to beat PSG in race for South American midfielder after offering attractive package

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While reports in Portugal claim the transfer of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte to Chelsea is a done deal, reports in England are claiming the Blues are close to signing the South American midfielder.

According to The Mirror, Chelsea are set to beat Paris Saint Germain in the battle to sign Ugarte.

The report adds: “Both clubs are ready to trigger Ugarte’s £52m release clause – but Chelsea ’s financial package means they are supremely confident of signing him ahead of PSG.

“Chelsea had been keen to spread the cost of the fee over three instalments but are now willing to pay the vast majority up front and their deal is more attractive than PSG.

“Chelsea are also willing to pay FIFA solidarity payments – to cover the 22-year-old’s training costs – plus bonuses and add-ons as they look to gazump the French giants.

There is a feeling now that Chelsea will get their man as they believe they have effectively got an agreement with Sporting and they are close on personal terms. Sporting are also keen for Urgarte to move to Stamford Bridge as the financial package is better.

“Chelsea’s new boss Mauricio Pochettino is a major fan of Ugarte and there is an intention to partner him with Enzo Fernandez in midfield.”