Chelsea are looking to add to their squad once again as their spending is seemingly not close to stopping anytime soon.
According to https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12930000/chelsea-transfer-news-blues-agree-23-1m-deal-to-sign-lesley-ugochukwu-from-rennesreports, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have agreed a £23.5m deal to sign 19-year-old midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Stade Rennes.
Talks have accelerated quickly for the teenage talent who is set to undergo a medical over the weekend ahead of his proposed switch to Stamford Bridge.
Midfield reinforcement have been high on the agenda for Pochettino with Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante all departing.
However, there is a significant possibility the Frenchman will be heading back to Ligue 1 next season for a loan spell with Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg.
He will become the fifth new face through the Stamford Bridge doors this summer after the arrivals of Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Angelo and Diego Moreira with new additions still touted.
Who is Lesley Ugochukwu and what will he bring to Chelsea?
Ugochukwu featured 26 times in the French top-flight last season and is the latest talent off the Rennes conveyor belt.
The young midfielder is just 19 and made his debut for Rennes on Sunday 25th April 2021 at the age of just 17 years and 30 days, replacing Steven Nzonzi in a 5–1 win against Dijon. With plenty of time to develop and has amassed 60 appearances for the first team so far, with ten coming in European competitions.
He can operate as a defensive midfielder but also further forward in a number eight role given Pochettino flexibility tactically should Ugochukwu progress to the first team under his tenure.
The 19-year-old has been described as a ‘Marcel Desailly clone’ which will undoubtedly excite supporters for what is to come.
With a loan move back to Rennes likely and midfield still looking short of quality, Chelsea are likely to continue adding to their squad this summer.
