Chelsea offers major player exchange deal for Enzo Fernandez with high-profile Blue joining Benfica
Chelsea is back in talks with Benfica to sign Enzo Fernandez before the end of the January transfer window.
The Blues tried to sign the Argentine international at the beginning of the month, but Benfica turned down all of their offers because they are sure he won’t leave until his release clause of £105 million is met.
The Premier League team is now interested in the 21-year-old player again. According to The Telegraph, there is strong belief at Stamford Bridge that a deal can be made before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
TYC Sports in Argentina says that Chelsea’s new offer is thought to be €100 million (£87 million) plus a player chosen by Benfica going the other way.
Fernandez, on the other hand, was eager to move to Stamford Bridge earlier this month, and it wasn’t thought to be a problem that he and Chelsea couldn’t agree on personal terms so late in the window.
Reports in Portugal this week, though, say Fernandez has changed his mind. He is now happy to finish the season at the Estadio da Luz, and Benfica manager Roger Schmidt doesn’t think the player will leave.
Schmidt said, when asked if he was sure Fernandez would stay, “Yes. When you see Enzo playing for Benfica you see a very happy player, in great shape.
“He’s not thinking about anything else. I’m not expecting to lose any of our regulars, and that’s why I see very focused players and I hope this stays that way.”
Benfica also wants to raise Fernandez’s release clause to €150m (£132m) to stop any possible transfer this month.
Chelsea has already brought in Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, David Datto Fofana, Andrey Santos, and Noni Madueke on permanent deals, and Joao Felix on loan for £160 million.
Last week, Chelsea’s offer of £55 million for Caicedo was turned down. On Friday, Arsenal’s offer of £60 million was also turned down.
In the next few days, both clubs could come back with better offers, and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi hasn’t ruled out a late exit.
Chelsea offers major player exchange deal for Enzo Fernandez with high-profile Blue joining Benfica
