# Chelsea sign defensive midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes in €28m deal

URL: https://technosports.co.in/chelsea-sign-lesley-ugochukwu-from-rennes/  
Published: 2023-07-29  
Updated: 2023-07-29  
Author: Arsh Das

Chelsea have completed the signing of Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes on a permanent deal. The West London club will pay around €27-28 million for the midfielder, after showing impressive potential during his time so far in Ligue 1. 

The 2004-born midfielder will soon make the move to London, and his future will be decided after a discussion with Mauricio Pochettino. He has agreed a long-term contract with the club, and is expected to be a part of their project consisting of mostly young players. 

## Lesley Ugochukwu signs for Chelsea from Rennes 

![Lesley Ugochukwu](https://images.technosports.co.in/2023/07/F2ND9K1XcAAKLsT-1024x652.jpeg)
*Via Fabrizio Romano’s Twitter*

Medical tests have already been booked for the youngster, and the move should be made official in the coming week. There is a possibility that he could be sent out on loan to Ligue 1 club Strasbourg, which is also owned by Chelsea owners BlueCo. 

Interestingly, Lesley Ugochukwu has a [very similar profile to Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia](https://twitter.com/FutbolCheIsea/status/1685254729989799936?s=20), who is a target not only for the Blues but also Liverpool. And by signing a similar young defensive midfielder like Ugochukwu, the West Londoners have earned themselves a bargain in comparison to the £50 million demanded for Lavia. 

![Romeo Lavia](https://images.technosports.co.in/2023/07/F14eLYlX0AcPU4R-1024x683.jpeg)
*Via Fabrizio Romano’s Twitter*

While Ugochukwu is a defensive midfielder in his own right and could help the club replace N’Golo Kante, they remain in the race to sign Moises Caicedo. Their [recent €93 million offer was rejected](https://technosports.co.in/chelsea-83-moises-caicedo-bid-rejected-brighton/), but they are expected to return with another offer.