Exclusive: Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City all chasing £25m striker who is having a 'staggeringly brilliant season'

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TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are amongst the clubs chasing Spartak Moscow striker Manfred Ugalde in January.

Ugalde has become one of the most talked about players in Europe following a staggeringly brilliant season in Russia with Spartak Moscow.

The 22-year-old forward has netted 15 goals in 17 starts for Spartak in the first half of the Russian Premier League season – which is now on a break until March.

How much Manfred Ugalde’s release clause will cost Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City

TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can reveal that Manfred Ugalde is now of strong interest to a host of top clubs, which include Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City.

The youngster’s excellent form has brought him to the attention of clubs throughout Europe. The striker’s suitors have also been made aware by his representatives and intermediaries that he is available for just £25 million due to a release clause in his deal.

Ugalde only joined Spartak back in January of 2024 from FC Twente but part of his agreement included this release clause, which is now of huge interest to a number of clubs and he could depart Moscow just 12 months after arriving.

Arsenal and Chelsea are in the market for a new centre-forward, and TBR Football have been told the Premier League giants have been keeping close tabs on him and have been impressed.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side are already well versed on Ugalde, as it was the club's owners City Group who discovered him in Costa Rica in 2022, bringing him to Europe with their Belgian side Lommel. The Premier League champions like him a lot and are keeping tabs on a deal.

Ugalde has many Premier League suitors, including Tottenham and Liverpool

Arsenal, Chelsea and City are not the only Premier League clubs keeping a close eye on him with a staggering eight other teams having him on their list of targets.

TBR Football can also confirm that Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, Newcastle, Brentford, Brighton and Nottingham Forest are all aware of Ugalde and have been keeping tabs on his progress. There are also clubs throughout Europe also keen on Ugalde.