Chelsea are pushing ahead with plans to sign Manuel Ugarte in the summer.
The Sporting CP midfielder is high on the list for several top clubs around Europe as the transfer window opens.
Per The Mail, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is keen on adding Ugarte and playing him next to winter signing Enzo Fernandez.
Ugarte does have a 53 million buy-out clause, which Chelsea may feel is within their range to activate.
However, they would have to convince him to join a club that has no European football to offer next season.
Ugarte may have other suitors, including the likes of Liverpool, PSG, and Aston Villa.