Arsenal can wreck Chelsea summer plans completely after Manuel Ugarte drama

Arsenal could slam another nail in Chelsea’s coffin by signing Brighton star Moises Caicedo this summer. The Blues have already endured a tough few days despite the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino. 

Pochettino, who will officially begin work on July 1, has identified Chelsea midfield as an area that requires improvement this summer. Pochettino’s midfield is expected to be built around countryman Enzo Fernandez. 

Chelsea have tried to acquire reinforcements but have so far struggled to attract their top targets. On Sunday evening, it became apparent that the Premier League outfit had lost out to Paris Saint-Germain in the battle to sign Manuel Ugarte. 

Sporting Lisbon ace Ugarte had supposedly been earmarked by Pochettino as a player who could improve his midfield. However, it has been claimed that PSG have offered more money, with Chelsea missing out on one of their new manager’s top targets. 

And Arsenal could thump further pain into Chelsea’s start to the transfer window by beating them to the signing of Ecuador ace Caicedo. According to Ecuadorian publication Tera Deportes, the 21-year-old has agreed personal terms with the Gunners ahead of a potential move. 

Arsenal would still need to strike an agreement with Brighton over a transfer fee. It is not believed that the North Londoners are close to sealing a transfer for former Independiente del Valle man, but with personal terms supposedly already agreed, it places Arsenal in a much stronger position than Chelsea. 

Caicedo was key to Brighton’s remarkable success in 2022-23, helping them to surprisingly qualify for the Europa League. He was previously linked with Manchester United, but Arsenal and Chelsea now appear to be the frontrunners for his signature. 

Losing out on Caicedo will ultimately mean that Chelsea have failed to sign two of their main targets for the midfield position. PSG are reportedly set to wrap up a move for Ugarte, whose Sporting contract possessed a £52million release clause.