“Could be confirmed next week’. Journalist claims player ‘made of steel’ is now joining Chelsea

An update from Franco Fernandez on Twitter stated that the Uruguay international had agreed a six-year contract with the Blues after expressing a desire to play in the Premier League, rather than with PSG in France.

Now – thanks to the same journalist – we have been given an insight into when Chelsea fans can expect Manuel Ugarte‘s move to be officially announced.

What’s the story?

Well, Fernandez believes the 22-year-old’s move to Stamford Bridge ‘could be confirmed next week’ as Mauricio Pochettino closes in on his first signing at Chelsea.

Ugarte was left out of Sporting CP’s 2-1 win over Vizela on Friday night in order to avoid picking up an injury before his €60m (£52m) move to west London.

Fernandez wrote on Twitter: “Manuel Ugarte was on the bench, he did not see minutes waiting for his future for the transfer period. His arrival at Chelsea could be confirmed next week.”

Of course, every transfer update should be taken with a pinch of salt around this time of year, as there can be plenty of misinformation flying around.

However, the fact Sporting CP actually left Ugarte out of Friday’s win over Vizela – having previously started him in 28 league games this season – suggests an exit really is imminent.

Ugarte to Chelsea could be a hugely significant deal

Portugal’s top-flight does not receive much exposure in England, so many Chelsea fans may not be too familiar with Ugarte.

However – in our view at least – he has the ability to become a household name very quickly.

Ugarte – who has been likened to Casemiro – is said to be a ‘tireless’ midfielder who appears to also be ‘made of steel’ according to Portuguese news outlet Record.

Statistically, date from Squawka shows that the South American is actually the ideal midfield partner for Enzo Fernandez, as he thrives at things the Argentina international is fairly average at, and vice versa.

As Ugarte’s move to Chelsea edges closer, it could prove to be the most important bit of business carried out by the Blues this summer.