The West London club continues their search for an ideal defensive midfielder. Of course, they are still in talks with Brighton Albion for Moisés Caicedo.
Chelsea cannot afford to dabble into the 2023-2024 season in the Premier League, without a proper DM. As a result, they have some midfielders on their radar.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side are still hoping to bring Moisés Caicedo to Stamford Bridge. Also, they are ready to rival Liverpool for the signing of Roméo Lavia.
Apparently, the Blues have Cesare Casadei and Andrey Santos. Who are currently making headlines on their USA pre-season tour.
Nevertheless, Chelsea are planning to find the perfect partner for Enzo Fernández. Because they would want to go far in all competitions.
Either Cesare Casadei or Andrey Santos will definitely go on loan this summer transfer window. However, the Blues still want to sign a new midfielder.
As a result, the West London club are negotiating to sign a new midfielder from Ligue 1. Meanwhile, it’s under the canopy of building for their future.
According to several reports in France, Chelsea are in negotiations to sign Lesley Ugochukwu from Stade Rennais. Of course, the Blues keep reinforcing their midfield.
Having been just 19-year-old, the Frenchman isn’t Moisés Caicedo’s alternative. The club wants to sign him, so as to be able to prepare for the future.
Performance-wise, Andrey Santos is ready to ball in the Premier League. At least, he has played double pivot with Enzo Fernández on their USA pre-season tour.
Therefore, he has the ability and capability to establish himself in the league. Nevertheless, everything depends on the Ecuadorian youngster’s move to Stamford Bridge.
Lesley Ugochukwu is just 19-year-old, and he plays as a defensive midfielder. Amazingly, he’s a regular starter for Stade Rennais in Ligue 1.
His stats in Ligue in 2022-2023Â
24 appearances (14 starts)
31.8 touches
0.1 key passes
88% pass accuracy
0.8 interceptions
1.4 tackles
0.6 clearances
0.3 dribbled past
70% dribble success
54% ground duels
70% aerial duels
57% total duels won
Despite being just 19-year-old, the Frenchman is sound defensively. At least, he can get better and improve under Mauricio Pochettino.
Since Cesare Casadei is most likely to leave on loan this summer. Lesley Ugochukwu is unlikely to stay at Chelsea, he may join Strasbourg on loan.
However, negotiating his move to Stamford Bridge doesn’t hinder Moisés Caicedo. The Ecuadorian midfielder is seen as an ideal partner for Enzo Fernández.
In addition, Ugochukwu’s versatility allows him to play as a central midfielder. Which means, he can give the Blues enough legs in the midfield.
On the contrary, the 19-year-old Frenchman made 14 starts for Stade Rennais last season. Of course, he’s most likely to start with the first-team at Chelsea.
Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that the team needs a standard defensive midfielder. Failure to sign Moisés Caicedo, he may lean on Lesley Ugochukwu and Andrey Santos.
The likes of Carney Chukwuemeka and Conor Gallagher cannot play as defensive midfielders. However, they can give more legs in the midfield.
Simply put, Chelsea are negotiating with Stade Rennais to sign Lesley Ugochukwu. He’s a 19-year-old French defensive midfielder.