Chelsea close in on Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Chelsea are once again in negotiations with Benfica to sign Enzo Fernandez and appears determined to land him before the January transfer window shuts.
The Daily Telegraph (subscription required) (h/t Teamtalk) claims that Chelsea are desperate to acquire the 2022 World Cup winner from Benfica and are prepared to meet his €120 million release clause.
Chelsea’s pursuit of the Argentine appeared to be fruitful when the club made an initial offer of £70 million, but it was turned down by the club as the Portuguese were reluctant to sell him and even accused Chelsea of disrespecting them.
However, the deal could happen this time since Chelsea have opened talks with Benfica and believe they have a chance to sign the 22-year-old. Todd Boehly is now on the case and we all know how that usually ends.
The initial bid of £70 million for the Argentine was rejected, but Chelsea are now willing to raise their offer to €120 million, leaving Benfica president Rui Costa to make the final decision. Since his incredible performance at the 2022 World Cup, the 22-year-old has been a discovery in Europe, as he was named Young Player of the Tournament.
Fernandez has four goals and seven assists in all competitions for Benfica, and the Blues believe he will be a good fit for the club. The 22-year-old has an undeniable talent and will be given more playing time because benching a €120 million signing would be odd.
While N’Golo Kante and Jorginho’s contracts expire next summer and the club has shown no intention to renew them, as the club view both players are surplus to need at the moment.
The youngster is worthy of starting every game, and Graham Potter would prefer him to Jorginho, who has been unreliable this season. He didn’t start for Argentina in the World Cup, but his performance has seen him start every game since the Saudi Arabia game, suggesting Fernandez is a reliable player who is capable of opening up space for Chelsea’s midfield and using his inventiveness to make things happen from the middle.
Also, Chelsea’s midfield appears to lack innovation this season, and Fernandez’s acquisition could actually fix the outcome of the game and make their midfield more constructive.
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