Chelsea could enable Graham Potter to unlock a dream midfield if Todd Boehly sanctions a mammoth deal for Enzo Fernandez.
The 21-year-old burst onto the scene during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, prompting interest from Europe's biggest clubs including Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea. With the Blues already said to have held talks with Fernandez's agent Jorge Mendes, it is thought a deal could be agreed between the two clubs.
With it reported on Wednesday by The Sun that both Chelsea and the Portuguese side had agreed a deal, Benfica were quick to shut down any such talk, insisting that Boehly and co will have to pay out the remainder of Fernandez's contract with the club, with his release clause currently standing at a whopping £105million.
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A superb midfielder architect and progressive ball carrier, the 21-year-old has shone his capabilities on the biggest stage of them all, helping La Albiceleste claim glory in the Middle East earlier this month. Scoring three times and laying on five assists so far for Roger Schmidt's side, Benfica are due to return to action later today against Braga.
With the transfer rumour mill thoroughly kicking into action, the Blues are known to be keen on bolstering their options across the board, with Reece James likely to miss at least the next month thanks to a reoccurrence of his knee injury that resulted in his omission from England's World Cup run to the quarter-finals.
David Datro Fofana has arrived from Molde to help assist both Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in attack, as Potter's men not only chase down a place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, but also on the Premier League's top four places at present.
So, how would Chelsea's starting XI look if Fernandez completed a move to Stamford Bridge? football.london has taken a look.
Chelsea's dream starting XI: Kepa; James, Koulibally, Silva, Cucurella; Mount, Kante, Jorginho; Fernandez, Havertz, Sterling.
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