BBC Sport: Surprise European clubs enquire about forgotten £23m ace, Chelsea’s transfer stance revealed | OneFootball

Lesley Ugochukwu has received loan enquiries from Valencia and Hamburg, but Chelsea would prefer to sell the midfielder according to reports.

Ugochukwu joined the Blues from French side Rennes for £23.2m in the summer of 2023, but spent last season on loan at Southampton as they finished bottom of the league and got relegated.

The 21-year-old made 31 appearances, and put in some impressive performances for the Saints, showing he can cut it in the Premier League.

Chelsea prefer to sell Ugochukwu

The Blues have been busy this summer and have already made three signings in Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, with more expected to follow.

However, the Blues also need to sort out the future of a number of players, with Ugochukwu falling into that category.

Ugochukwu put in some impressive performances at Southampton. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The Frenchman has made 15 appearances for the Blues, and Chelsea believe Ugochukwu will generate a lot of interest this summer.

BBC Sport have reported the midfielder has received loan enquiries from both Valencia and Hamburg, but a Premier League loan is seen as most likely, with several clubs monitoring the situation.

The report adds Chelsea’s preference is to sell Ugochukwu if they receive a suitable offer, whilst a domestic loan is their second option.

Despite Ugochukwu’s talent, midfield is arguably Chelsea’s strongest area of the squad, and the chances of him getting regular minutes ahead of the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos is unlikely.

Outgoings a priority

Ugochukwu won’t be the only player to depart Stamford Bridge this summer, and the Blues could move on as many as ten players.

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Axel Disai, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku and Djordje Petrovic are all expected to depart.

The Blues have been very good at selling players over the years, and they will once again need to use that skill to bring important funds back into the club this summer.