Since the start of January, Chelsea have been constantly linked to Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine has been a wanted commodity since his exploits at the FIFA World Cup and Chelsea seemed willing to go the distance to acquire the midfielder in January.
The Blues were in negotiations with Benfica and already had a verbal agreement with Fernandez. However, the two sides couldn’t reach an amicable agreement as the only way Benfica would accept a deal was if CFC or any interested party would pay the release clause of €120 million.
From Benfica’s side, the negotiations were over but Chelsea still remain hopeful of finding a solution until the end of the winter transfer window. CFC have also looked at other midfielders like Moises Caicedo and Amadou Onana but Fernandez still remains a preferred target for the Blues.
If Chelsea fail to sign Fernandez in the winter transfer window, they will continue to track him and ignite their interest again in the summer. Next summer, CFC will be in a much better position financially as well, as they are targeting a number of exits and money raised through it could be used in signing players without running the risk of breaking FFP rules.
Benfica are set to increase the release clause for Chelsea target Enzo Fernandez
However, signing Fernandez in the summer transfer window could get even more difficult. According to the Portuguese media outlet Record, Benfica are looking to raise the release clause of Fernandez from €120 million to €150 million. In the process, the Portuguese league leaders will also offer €2 million to Fernandez as loyalty bonus for staying at Benfica.
This could be regarded as a cunning move by Benfica as any move in the summer would put them in the driver’s seat at the negotiations table. There will hardly be a side willing to pay €150 million, but the idea here is to hold the upper hand while negotiating. Benfica would still be hoping for a colossal offer in the summer and now Chelsea will have to shell out a higher amount in the summer to sign the 21 year old Argentine.
With three days to go for the transfer deadline day, CFC are still being heavily linked to Caicedo but face competition from Arsenal who have also seen their bid rejected for the Brighton man. Caicedo is pushing for a move but any interested club will have to shell out £90 million to acquire his services in the mid-season.
Should CFC try to sign Enzo Fernandez in the summer?