Deportivo La Coruña have rebuffed Chelsea's £8.5 million offer for their prized winger, Yeremay Hernandez, as the January transfer window heats up. The Premier League giants had hoped to secure the 22-year-old's services, with a plan to immediately loan him to their sister club, Strasbourg, for the remainder of the season.
However, the Spanish club are standing firm, demanding nothing less than the player's £17 million release clause.
Chelsea's pursuit of Hernandez comes at a time when their attacking prowess are under the microscope. Nicolas Jackson's goal-scoring consistency have been a concern, while Christopher Nkunku are being linked with a move to Bayern Munich.
To add to their woes, Mykhailo Mudryk's suspension have left the Blues scrambling for reinforcements to bolster their forward line. The club are eager to address these challenges and view Hernandez as a potential solution to their attacking issues.
Player performance and contract details
Hernandez, a former Real Madrid youth player, have been a shining light for Deportivo this season. Despite the team's struggles, currently sitting 17th in Spain's Segunda Division, Hernandez have managed to score eight goals and provide three assists in 18 league appearances.
His performances have been a beacon of hope in an otherwise difficult campaign. The winger's contract with Deportivo runs until 2030, and it includes a £17 million release clause. This clause have become a major sticking point in negotiations, with Deportivo refusing to budge.
Club positions and future prospects
Deportivo's director, Massimo Benassi, have made it abundantly clear that the club will not entertain offers below the release clause. Speaking to TVG, as reported by Marca, Benassi stated, "We are clear that he will only leave if they pay the clause." Hernandez, while aware of the ongoing speculation, remain focused on his future. After Deportivo's recent 1-1 draw with Malaga, he commented, "I'm talking to my agent. I don't know what's going to happen. If I leave it will be to take a step forward."
Alternative options and competition
Chelsea's pursuit of Hernandez are further complicated by their interest in Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel. However, Bayern's sporting director, Christoph Freund, have dismissed any possibility of a move, emphasising Tel's importance to the German club.
Meanwhile, AC Milan have entered the race for Hernandez, reportedly preparing a bid similar to Chelsea's. While Hernandez's talent are undeniable, his experience in Spain's second division raises questions about his readiness for the Premier League.
Chelsea now face a critical decision: meet Deportivo's £17 million release clause or shift their focus to alternative targets before the transfer window closes.