Manuel Ugarte: Paris Saint-Germain close on Sporting midfielder after Chelsea withdraw interest - reports

Manuel Ugarte is expected to complete a move to Paris Saint-Germain this week after Chelsea withdrew their interest in the Sporting midfielder, according to reports. Ugarte, 22, has been at the centre of an increasingly protracted transfer saga as PSG and Chelsea went head-to-head for the Uruguayan's services, a development that now appears to have concluded, with PSG having now met the £51.8 million (€60m) release clause for the player, according to the Athletic.

Ad The same outlet — and others — reported that the midfielder had his medical with the Ligue 1 champions on Monday. TransfersInter Miami, Barcelona and Al-Hilal battle for Messi — Paper Round04/06/2023 AT 05:28 Chelsea had been in the hunt for Ugarte, but the process became complicated when a report from L'Equipe, published on Sunday, suggested the West London club had offered to cover add-on costs arising from the deal, as well as potentially taking a minority stake in Sporting.

Per the Athletic, that led to PSG drafting a letter — which they ultimately didn't send to Sporting — detailing their concerns over the deal. Chelsea withdrew from the process shortly after the publication of L'Equipe's report, but club sources were reported to have cited the size of the proposed fee as the reason.

As such, the path looks clear for Ugarte to join PSG as the club undergo an overhaul this summer. Lionel Messi's departure has been confirmed — with his destination as yet unknown — as has that of Sergio Ramos, and an overall refresh of the squad is expected, especially in midfield.

Reports have also suggested that boss Christophe Galtier will leave the club this summer. PSG won the Ligue 1 title this term, but failed once again in the Champions League, the competition that