Lesley Ugochukwu set for medical as Chelsea close in on midfielder signing

Chelsea are closing in on a move for Rennes midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu in a deal worth £23.5million, potentially rising to £25.7m with add-ons.

The 19-year-old was not in the squad to face West Ham in a friendly at Roazhon Park on Saturday as both clubs look to finalise talks.

The Blues have already agreed personal terms and are preparing to conduct a medical in the next 24 hours.

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It’s unclear as to whether Ugochukwu is a signing for Mauricio Pochettino’s first team or if he will go on loan to the newly-bought partner club Strasbourg next season.

Chelsea are already planning to send Brazilian winger Angelo Gabriel, who is currently with the first team on tour in the United States, on loan to the French side.

Montpellier rejected Chelsea’s £24m bid for Elye Wahi who could join him at Strasbourg with a limit set of three loans allowed between clubs, regardless of shared ownership.

Chelsea continue to target Brighton’s Moises Caicedo having seen an £80m bid rejected last week.

Conor Gallagher’s future remains in doubt after Chelsea rejected a £40m offer from West Ham last week with further approaches expected.

Pochettino has admitted to being short in midfield after seeing Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kai Havertz all leave the club this summer.