Just as we were writing that Chelsea needed secure a backup option for Moises Caicedo as our negotiations with Brighton reached a possible point of no return, the Blues appear to have done just that.
The Athletic are reporting that a £23.5m deal for the 19 year old has been agreed, and that his medical will happen in the next 24 hours, with personal terms already agreed. A tenacious box to box player, Ugochukwu made 25 appearances for Rennes last season.
What is not yet clear is whether the midfielder will go straight into the first team, or will be loaned out, with a move to our new sister club Strasbourg clearly a possibility. As it stands, with so few players in our midfield, you would think he would be more likely to stay, at least until a senior option is successfully brought in.
This is a very interesting move – and proof that things can be done totally under the radar if clubs want.