By Taiwo Ibrahim
Chelsea have a agreed a deal to sign Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes, Sportivationng.com reports.
The deal is expected to cost the Blues in the region of €27.5million.
Chelsea have been linked with Moises Caicedo all-summer with Brighton rejecting their latest bid.
Ugochukwu is a highly-rated midfielder who has been turning heads in the Ligue 1.
He started 14 Ligue 1 games for Rennes in the 2022-23 season.
The 19-year-old is a product of Rennes Academy, he made his senior debut for the club in April 2021.
Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano confirmed the move on Twitter on Saturday afternoon.
Lesley Ugochukwu, set to be excluded by Rennes squad for friendly game vs West Ham later today. 🔵✨
He’s on the verge of joining Chelsea — deal will be completed in the next hours, club and player don’t want to take any risk. pic.twitter.com/XpbmAwM3Nl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 29, 2023
He is expected to undergo medical and put pen to paper on a long-term contract as Chelsea’s latest signing in the next 24 hours.
The French midfielder has represented France at the U-18 and U-19 levels.
Ugochukwu is the Nephew of former Nigeria international, Onyekachi Apam who also played for Rennes during his active days.
He is eligible to play for Nigeria.
Ugochukwu is also capable of playing in defence, it is left to be seen if Chelsea will send him out on loan to Strasbourg to continue his development.
