Chelsea are set to land the signature of Manuel Ugarte from Sporting Lisbon, according to Portuguese publication Record.
The Uruguayan has been one of the best young defensive midfielders this season. He is now on the cusp of joining the Blues.
The midfielder has agreed a salary package of around €3.5m per year and he is expected to sign a long-term contract very soon.
Ugarte currently has a €60m release clause in his contract and the Blues plan to negotiate with Sporting over the payment terms.
Instead of settling in one payment, Chelsea want to discuss a long-term payment plan and could be willing to pay a higher fee.
Irrespective of Ugarte’s pursuit, the Blues are eyeing an ambitious move to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Caicedo was on their transfer radar at the beginning of the year and they are ready to hold fresh talks with Brighton in the coming days.Arsenal are also keen on landing the young Ecuadorian.