Chelsea reignite talks with sensational £106m World Cup-winning midfielder in stunning transfer twist
Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez this month, with negotiations breaking down early on – but the Blues have now reignited their interest.
Todd Boehly and co failed in their previous bid after Benfica demanded that Chelsea pay the Argentina international’s £106m release clause.
It’s no secret that Graham Potter wants to add a quality midfielder to his squad in the current window and Fernandez could be a huge signing if the Blues can get a deal over the line.
Overall, Chelsea have struggled to find form this season, winning just eight of their opening 20 league matches. Now, they find themselves in 10th place, 10 points adrift from the top four.
Admittedly, there was always going to be a transitional period after Potter’s arrival, with several new signings yet to have time to settle in.
Chelsea’s €100m (£87.9m) signing Mykhaylo Mudryk has the potential to be a huge player for them, while another incoming in Benoit Badiashile looks set for plenty of football this season after impressing in their recent 0-0 draw to Liverpool.
However, the likes of Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have so far failed to have the desired impact after joining the Bluesat the beginning of the campaign.
As for their midfield, looking forward, Chelsea will need to make signings to replace potential outgoing players. Jorginho looks set to leave the club at the end of the season, while N’Golo Kante has also been linked to a summer departure.
Fernandez will have huge boots to fill if they do leave, but he has the potential to be an excellent replacement.
Fernandez deal back on in what could be a major coup for Chelsea
According to the Guardian, Chelsea intend to try again to sign Fernandez, who has a release clause set at a staggering £106m.
The Benfica midfielder has been in excellent form this season, making 16 appearances, scoring one goal and making five assists.
Where he caught the eye in particular, though, was playing in the World Cup for Argentina, where he put in consistently high-level performances and scored a fantastic goal against Mexico in the group stages.
Indeed, Fernandez was a key player as he helped his country to their first World Cup victory since 1986, attracting interest from several top European teams.
As mentioned, Chelsea have already tried and failed to bid for the Argentine, while Liverpool were also firmly in the race for him before Benfica made their £106m demand.
The Blues have already spent more than all of the clubs in La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 combined this month and now Boehly will have to put his money where is once again to get a deal for Fernandez over the line.
It seems, however, that the only way Chelsea could get their man is if they pay his release clause, with the Portuguese giants very reluctant to part ways with their star man.
