Lesley Ugochukwu: 'Chelsea transfer was offer I couldn't refuse'

Despite their issues with FFP, it was always expected that co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital would continue their spending spree during the most recent transfer window.

However, while some moves were anticipated in the months beforehand, Chelsea's interest in Ugochukwu was in sharp contrast, a deal being concluded soon after the initial report.

Although he only turned 19 years of age in March, Ugochukwu departed Rennes for a fee in the region of £23.1m having made 60 appearances in all competitions.

The perception was that Ugochukwu would immediately go out on loan, a view that was initially shared by head coach Mauricio Pochettino when he was quizzed on the deal.

Nevertheless, having been provided with a chance to train with the first team, Ugochukwu was kept at Stamford Bridge, the likes of Andrey Santos and Cesare Casadei instead joining Nottingham Forest and Leicester City on a temporary basis.

As it stands, the France Under-21 international has been restricted to seven minutes of Premier League football across two matches, but Ugochukwu completed the EFL Cup tie with AFC Wimbledon when making his first start.

Speaking in an interview with Le Parisien, Ugochukwu has revealed that he felt that opting to sign for Chelsea, despite his young age, was a simple decision.

Ugochukwu said: "Chelsea had been following me for a while. There were phone calls between the club and me this summer. Those calls went well and we decided to move forward.

He added: "It's the start of a new cycle, with new players and new ambitions. I was attracted by what they want to do and by what they see in me.

"Regarding my ambitions, I think it was perfect to leave at that time. They say that I can become a great midfielder if I work hard and everything goes well. It's up to me to prove that I can have a place in the long term. I wanted to progress."

Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher are currently regarded as being ahead of Ugochukwu in the midfield pecking order.

Romeo Lavia, though, has allegedly been ruled out for six weeks with an ankle injury, while Carney Chukwuemeka is also not expected to return until October at the earliest.