World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez is determined to force through a £112m record move to Chelsea.
Chelsea are locked in talks with Benfica who are holding out on the buy-out clause inserted in Fernandez’s contract and are hopeful of getting a deal done. Argentina midfielder Fernandez has missed training after returning from his nation’s celebrations following their World Cup win.
Fernandez has made it clear he wants to move to Chelsea and the Premier League in what would be the biggest fee in English football history. It would overtake Jack Grealish ’s £100m move to Manchester City 18 months ago and is a staggering fee but underlines Chelsea’s determination to get the deal done.
Benfica will not budge on the price but Chelsea are hoping to structure the deal in instalments over the length of his five year contract which would keep them inside UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules.
Chelsea are already on UEFA’s Watch List and another mega deal in a big window for manager Graham Potter will send a big signal out to the rest of the Premier League.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is ready to splash the cash with Benfica admitting Fernandez can leave - but only if someone matches the asking price. Chelsea are also closing in on a £35million deal to sign Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, having agreed a fee for the France defender.
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Meanwhile, Chelsea also gave a medical to 18-year-old midfielder Andrey Santos on Saturday, with the Vasco de Gama man also linked with a move to Newcastle. Potter is desperate to make new signings in the January window, although he doesn't want his squad to think about that prospect.
Potter said after his side's draw at Nottingham Forest: "It’s part of the season we all have to deal with, so I’m not complaining about it. They are human beings and while the window is open, there is noise and 24-hour media that has to be filled with something.
"The January window gives people an opportunity to speak about things, so it’s normal. It’s part of modern-day football and we have to deal with it."
