There are two reasons why Manchester United should consider a deal for a Premier League midfielder after confirmation from Fabrizio Romano.
As the summer transfer window began, Manchester United made strengthening their attack a clear priority, with Matheus Cunha becoming their first signing.
The 26-year-old forward, who scored 15 goals in the Premier League last season, is expected to play a vital role at Old Trafford moving forward.
United are now pursuing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, and the arrival of both Cunha and Mbeumo would significantly bolster Ruben Amorim’s attacking setup.
Next, the club aims to bring in a striker and a midfielder, though those moves will rely on player departures, with several names currently under consideration for both roles.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Ugochukwu leaving Chelsea permanently
United have dealt with Chelsea in the transfer window several times in recent years. Mason Mount joined the Reds in 2023 while Jadon Sancho spent last season on loan at Stamford Bridge.
There is also talk of further dealings between the two clubs this summer, with Alejandro Garnacho and Christopher Nkunku both linked with moves to the other team.
But there is another option that United should be considering; Lesley Ugochukwu spent last season on loan at Southampton and is a talented midfield player.
It has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano that the Blues are looking for a permanent exit for the 21-year-old this summer, and that several Premier League clubs are interested in a deal.
Ugochukwu, valued at £15 million on transfermarkt, shined when he visited Old Trafford last term. Despite losing 3-1, the Saints midfielder completed 37 of his 41 attempted passes while also winning 11 duels – the most in the game.
Amorim wants an energetic midfielder to join the club and Ugochukwu would address that while also offering a lot of talent in other areas.
Why United should consider Ugochukwu deal
Not only would a deal for Ugochukwu make sense because of his talent levels, but also due to Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho. Despite securing Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, the Blues are still in for Garnacho.
There is a positive relationship between the two clubs and this could give United an upper hand in negotiations to get Ugochukwu – who fits their needs more than Nkunku – while also getting an unwanted player off the books.
Garnacho doesn’t seem to have a future at Old Trafford and there has been trouble getting a permanent sale over the line – the same as other unwanted Reds.
It would be very positive if the Reds were able to secure a move for a talented and young midfielder while also getting some cash through a Garnacho sale.
Whether or not they are actually one of the clubs interested remains to be seen.
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