- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Chelsea are keeping tabs on a title-winning midfielder as they’re gearing up to allow Conor Gallagher to leave, TBR Football understands.
The Blues have spent a fortune since Todd Boehly took over the club. Their squad cost over £1 billion to assemble, but they are nowhere near ready to challenge for the big trophies.
Chelsea want to get back to competing with the best teams as quickly as possible, so they are plotting some big moves this summer. A Paris Saint-Germain player is now on their radar.
Chelsea are keeping tabs on PSG’s Manuel Ugarte
TBR Football understands that Chelsea are keeping tabs on Manuel Ugarte’s situation at Paris Saint-Germain.
As part of their overhaul this summer, PSG are preparing to let a handful of their own expensive assembled squad leave, and one of those on the chopping block is Ugarte.
The Uruguayan midfield ‘powerhouse‘ joined PSG from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2023 for a fee in the region of £51 million. The French champions actually beat Chelsea to his signature at the time – the West Londoners were keen to sign him then.
TBR understands that the Blues’ interest in Ugarte has remained and the chance to land him this summer is something that they are looking at.
23-year-old Ugarte is aware of PSG’s stance and is believed to be open to the prospect of a move to England this summer.
Chelsea themselves are gearing up to allow Conor Gallagher to leave, whilst the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu and Romeo Lavia have not proven themselves since arriving – even if injuries have played their part.
So, a new midfielder is very much something Chelsea are looking at.
Liverpool and Manchester United are also amongst Ugarte’s previous suitors who will now be aware of his situation – whilst Juventus are also confirmed admirers.
The latest on Conor Gallagher’s future
Conor Gallagher‘s future at Chelsea has been a hot topic of discussion since the summer of 2023.
The England international will enter the final year of his contract this summer, and the Blues will have to make a decision on his future very soon.
TBR Football exclusive revealed recently that Gallagher is yet to receive a contract offer from Chelsea.
TBR understands that Tottenham, Newcastle United and West Ham are all ready to make a move for Gallagher, but the player himself wants to stay at Stamford Bridge.
However, Gallagher is growing increasingly concerned at the lack of a firm offer even though contract talks began in the summer of 2023.
For his part, Mauricio Pochettino wants to keep Gallagher and is hoping Chelsea will offer him a new long-term deal.