Chelsea have reached an agreement with Rennes to acquire the services of teenage midfield sensation of Nigerian descent Lesley Ugochukwu.

Rennes and Chelsea have come to terms on a deal valued at approximately £23m, paving the way for the transfer of the French under-19 international, Lesley Ugochukwu. He has already committed to a long-term contract with Chelsea and is now set to undergo a medical examination and finalize his move.

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Lesley Ugochukwu primarily operates as a defensive midfielder and boasts an impressive record of 60 senior appearances for Rennes. Notably, Rennes finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season, earning qualification for the Europa League.

Born in Rennes, France to Nigerian parents, he has represented France at U-18 and U-19 levels is also eligible to play for Nigeria at senior level. He is the nephew of former Rennes and Super Eagles center-back Onyekachi Apam. 

His signing coincides with Chelsea’s shortage of central midfielders due to the departure of five players from last season’s squad over the summer. Ugochukwu was on the 2023 Golden Boy Index.