Boost for Chelsea in Enzo Fernandez chase as Benfica chief travels abroad to find replacement

Chelsea are leaving no stone unturned to sign their top transfer target Enzo Fernandez. After initial obstacles, Chelsea feel they can get the deal over the line before 11 PM UK time on transfer deadline day.

It was abundantly clear that CFC wanted Fernandez and made him their top January transfer target. The Blues opened talks with Benfica and discussed a structured deal but the Portuguese were unwilling to receive a fee in parts, with Benfica president Rui Costa having a crystal clear stance – ‘release clause or nothing’. The talks fell through despite Chelsea having a verbal agreement on personal terms with the player.

It felt as though that the Blues will miss out on the Argentine and soon alternative midfield options started popping up on the Chelsea feeds. Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo was closely looked at and CFC had a £55 million bid rejected for the Ecuadorian. Everton midfielder Amadou Onana was another alternative but the player rejected the idea of leaving Goodison Park as he wanted to help the club in their relegation battle.

Chelsea have reopened the talks for Fernandez and seem to be confident of getting a deal done this time, despite the time constraints. The Argentine World Cup winner is gearing up for a move but Benfica need to first accept the offer.

Boost for Chelsea in Enzo Fernandez chase

Initially, it was reported that Chelsea were willing to wait until the summer for Fernandez but changed their plans and decided to throw everything at it to get the deal done in January as UEFA will close the loophole that CFC had been taking advantage of.

Chelsea have submitted a €120 million bid for the 22 year old with a structure of one large lump sum payment and five smaller payments. Benfica president Costa has still not given a green light but CFC continue to push for the transfer.

According to Portuguese media outlet Record, Benfica sporting director Rui Pedro Braz has jetted out of Portugal in search of Fernandez’s replacement. This will surely be a boost for Chelsea as Benfica are already looking at replacements and there is increased optimism that a deal could be struck soon. Boca Juniors midfielder Alan Varela has emerged as a candidate to replace Fernandez should he depart for Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are also close to letting Jorginho leave the club as a £12 million fee has been agreed with Arsenal. This goes onto show the confidence CFC have in getting the Fernandez deal over the line as they are willing to sanction another midfielder’s exit.

Will Enzo Fernandez deal be completed in time?