Chelsea’s midfield would look a bit different if things in their last summer transfer window went in another direction.
The Blues managed to sign Moises Caicedo, who is now the most expensive signing in the club’s history, and Romeo Lavia from Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton respectively in 2023.
They joined Chelsea to link-up with Enzo Fernandez, though Lavia was only able to make one appearance last season because of injury.
However, Chelsea also targeted another midfielder during the 2023 summer transfer window.
They, of course, failed to land him, but it looks like he could still end up in England, with Manchester United now reportedly interested in his services.
Manchester United could sign former Chelsea target this summer
Chelsea’s midfield looks to be in good shape, with Enzo Maresca in possession of Caicedo, Fernandez, Lavia and Conor Gallagher as things stand.
However, the same cannot be said about United’s, with Casemiro not getting any younger.
According to Sky Sports, the Red Devils are now interested in signing Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG only signed Ugarte from Sporting Lisbon last year in a £51m deal.
Before his move to the Parc des Princes, The Athletic claimed that Chelsea fiercely competed against PSG for his signature, with the latter coming out as victors.
How will Chelsea feel about Manuel Ugarte joining Manchester United?
Chelsea may have been interested in Ugarte last summer, but in the end, they got their main midfield target: Caicedo.
The Blues paid a lot of money for the 22-year-old and some will feel that he has not lived up to his price tag.
However, looking at some of his numbers from last season, Caicedo did do his job.
For example, the Ecuadorian was in the top 10 players in the Premier League for tackles, making 91 (FBref).
With that in mind, then, Chelsea will not care too much about Ugarte joining United if he does go on to sign for Erik ten Hag’s side this summer.