When Chelsea were desperate to wrap up a deal for Enzo Fernandez, the club sent representatives to Lisbon to finalise a deal for Enzo Fernandez. The 22-year-old was quickly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after winning the 'best young player' award at the World Cup in Qatar.
After an initial breakdown in talks, the Blues managed to strike a deal with Benfica in the final hours of the January transfer window, agreeing to pay the Portuguese outfit £106.7million in six instalments. Fernandez signed an eight-and-a-half-year contract, becoming the most expensive player in the west London club's history.
Determined to secure the Argentina international, Chelsea reportedly held face-to-face negotiations with Benfica president Rui Costa. After several meetings and hours of waiting, the Blues' transfer chiefs eventually left Lisbon on a private jet with signatures from clubs officials, stating they would pay just £40million up front – less than half of what the Portuguese outfit originally demanded.
Not only did the west Londoners wrap up a deal in the 11th hour, they also managed to reach an agreement which weighed significantly in their favour proving their exceptional ability to conduct face-to-face talks. Following a stressful couple of days, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali were – understandably – delighted to have got their star man.
"In Enzo we are signing a World Cup-winner and one of the brightest talents in global football," the Chelsea co-owners said in a joint statement. "We are excited to add him to Graham's [Potter, former manager] squad and we are sure he will form an important part of our team going forward. Enzo has demonstrated his ability at the very highest levels so we’re looking forward to seeing what he will do in Chelsea blue!"
Fast forward six-months and Chelsea look set to launch a similar tactic as they hope to rake in £65million from Manchester United for Mason Mount. The 24-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford recently, with his contract expiring at the end of next season.
The Red Devils are said to have already had two bids rejected so far. And, now, according to widespread reports from the likes of The Athletic, Fabrizio Romano and the Telegraph, United have just have a third offer worth £50million, including £5million worth of add-ons, turned down.
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The reports state that Chelsea have countered their bid with a proposal of £58million plus £7million in add-ons. As the battle for Mount continues, widespread reports add that the Blues have also offered to meet United higher-ups to find a resolution to the saga.
As we know, when officials from Stamford Bridge held face-to-face meetings with Benfica over a deal for Fernandez, Chelsea got what they wanted. Now, the same tactic could be used on the Red Devils...
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