Chelsea 'thinking' about signing Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain
The future of Conor Gallagher in Chelsea has been a cause for concern as the youth player's contract with the club expires next year. There is still no agreement between both parties on a renewal.
If the 'bleus' fail to extend Gallagher's mandate, they will be forced to sell him to avoid losing him for free in 2025. According to TBR Football, exclusively quoting Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are already 'thinking' about replacing Gallagher and have identified Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte as a target.
The Ligue 1 side signed the Uruguayan international from Sporting Lisbon last year for £51m after beating off competition from the west Londoners and look set to renew their interest.
TBR Football adds that Ugarte has failed to make a big impression in the French capital and that PSG are happy to transfer him to make way for new faces in the summer.
Ugarte knows PSG's position and would be 'interested' in heading to the national team first divisionaccording to the report.
Chelsea retaining Gallagher remains a possibility
Chelsea will surely have ambitious plans for the transfer window after a mediocre season.
However, after spending more than £1 billion under Todd Boehly's ownership, they could be about to face Financial Fair Play ramifications and must first get rid of their deadwood before spending more.
Gallagher has been an integral part of Mauricio Pochettino's team in recent months and the Blues boss would certainly be keen to keep him. Chelsea could risk losing him for nothing in 2025 if he doesn't sign a new contract, but they need the money to help balance the books.
Selling an academy graduate like Gallagher would allow Chelsea to bank the money as pure profit on the balance sheet and help them avoid FFP penalties.
Ugarte would be an interesting replacement if Chelsea sell Gallagher. He was excellent during his time at Sporting Lisbon and could rejuvenate his career here in the Premier League if he seals a move for him to Stamford Bridge.
