Tensions between English giants Chelsea and French domestic juggernaut Paris Saint-Germain continue to grow surrounding mutual interest in Sporting CP’s Manuel Ugarte.
The Uruguayan international, one of the most sought-after midfielders in the upcoming summer window, was the subject of advanced moves by both outfits in recent days after both the Blues and the Parisian outfit tabled bids for the 22-year-old.
In an attempt to beat PSG to the punch, Chelsea reportedly offered a financial stake in Sporting as part of the terms offered in their package, and it was then followed up by further reports that Sporting would push Ugarte to move to the English capital over the city of lights in turn.
But according to fresh reports today from an exclusive via The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, PSG had drawn up a legal letter to complain to SCP after what would have been an unprecedented and questionable agreement between the two clubs.
🚨Exclusive
Paris Saint-Germain drafted a legal letter to complain to Sporting Lisbon on Sunday after media reports emerged suggesting Chelsea might take a stake in the Portuguese club as part of a proposed transfer for Manuel Ugarte.https://t.co/MOklLMMfpd
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) June 5, 2023
Crafton expounded on Twitter with the following: “Sources close to dealings between Chelsea & Sporting deny a minority stake in the Portuguese club was discussed in relation to the transfer, but PSG intended to write to Sporting for answers + escalate matter to UEFA until Chelsea pulled out on Sunday eve.”
“PSG’s draft legal letter cited UEFA rules that forbid one club from owning shares/securities in another while participating in UEFA competitions & expressed concern that commercial leverage such as a stake could be used to influence a transfer.”
“Because Chelsea pulled out, PSG did not escalate to actually sending the letter to Sporting, but a sign of the growing tension between PSG & Chelsea after previous row over Ziyech in January.”
The two clubs, as mentioned by Crafton, had already been at odds after PSG thought they secured a January move for Moroccan star Hakim Ziyech before his departure from west London failed to materialize, and now that the French side seemingly has won the race for the Uruguayan midfielder, it is expected that Chelsea will now switch gears and make a serious play for Brighton’s Ecuadorian starlet Moisés Caicedo.
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