Chelsea Football Club has reached an agreement to sign Dario Essugo, a highly-rated midfielder from Sporting Lisbon, for a fee of £18.5 million. The 20-year-old, currently on loan at Las Palmas, has been offered a seven-year contract with an option for an additional year. The deal is pending a medical and the finalization of personal terms.

Essugo, who has represented Portugal Under-21s seven times, is expected to join Chelsea in June. He will serve as a defensive midfield option, providing cover and competition for Moises Caicedo. Chelsea's scouts have been impressed by Essugo's rapid development this season, particularly during his loan spell in Spain, where he made 17 appearances for Las Palmas.

The young midfielder has also made 25 appearances for his parent club, Sporting Lisbon, showcasing his versatility and potential. Chelsea's senior sources believe Essugo could play a crucial role in the newly expanded Club World Cup tournament, set to take place in the United States in June.

This acquisition is part of Chelsea's broader strategy to invest in young talent. Earlier this week, the club also signed 17-year-old winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon for £40 million, further strengthening their squad for the future.

With Essugo's arrival, Chelsea aims to bolster their midfield options and continue their pursuit of domestic and international success. The club's fans will be eager to see how the young Portuguese talent adapts to the Premier League and contributes to the team's ambitions.