Chelsea sign £25m midfielder from Rennes

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Chelsea sign £25m midfielder from Rennes

Chelsea have completed the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes.

The Blues agreed a £25m fee with Rennes in late July, prompting the final processes of the transfer – including a medical – to be undertaken in the days since.

Ugochukwu has signed a seven-year contract until 2030, with an option to extend by 12 months.

"We're delighted Lesley is joining Chelsea," said co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley in a joint statement.

"He is an impressive young player who has already made his mark in Ligue 1. He has a huge amount of potential and we know he is going to continue to develop and improve. We are pleased that he has joined us in the U.S and that he will be able to integrate with the squad quickly."

90min understands that, at present, a decision over where Ugochukwu will spend the 2023/24 season has not been made. It is possible that the teenager could be loaned to new sister club Strasbourg, which would see him remain in Ligue 1, to gain more first-team experience.

Despite signing Ugochukwu, Chelsea have also not given up on their pursuit of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo and are expected to return with an improved offer. Bids worth £70m and £80m have so far been rejected, with the Seagulls holding out for £100m.