Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu set to join Burnley 

Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu is close to joining Burnley this summer. 

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Clarets have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Ugochukwu. 

The 21-year-old has been granted permission to travel for medical tests ahead of completing his move to Turf Moor. 

Ugochukwu began his career at Stade Rennais before joining Chelsea in the summer of 2023. 

He made 15 appearances for the Blues in 2023-24, but was sent on a season-long season to Southampton. 

The French footballer played 31 games across all competitions for the Saints, with three goal contributions to his name. But he couldn’t save the south-coast club from an immediate relegation to the Championship. 

Ugochukwu mainly operates as a defensive midfielder but he can also play in central midfield. He is known for his strong physical presence and tackling ability.   

Despite having five years left on his deal, Chelsea are prepared to sell him this summer. 

The West Londoners have been very aggressive in the transfer market under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership. But their huge spending on new recruits means they also have to make sales to balance the books. 

Enzo Maresca’s side are also close to offloading Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Everton. 

BBC Sport report the Toffees have agreed a deal worth up to £28m to sign the 26-year-old. 

Burnley have brought in 10 first-team players this summer, including Axel Tuanzebe, Kyle Walker, Bashir Humphreys, Jacob Bruun Larsen and Loum Tchaouna. 

But the Lancashire outfit are keen to bolster their midfield following the departure of Josh Brownhill. 

Brownhill helped them secure Premier League promotion last season but left the club as a free agent upon the expiration of his contract. 

Stats from Transfermarkt