Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea Believe Progress Made in Talks With Benfica
Chelsea believe they have made significant progress in negotiations with Benfica as the Blues look to sign Enzo Fernandez before the January transfer window closes.
The Stamford Bridge outfit has identified Enzo Fernandez as a transfer target as they aim to bolster their midfield department before the January transfer window slams shut.
Chelsea have since revived their interest in the highly-rated Argentine midfielder. They are now in negotiations with Benfica as they aim to complete the signing of the 22-year-old in the final 48 hours of the January transfer window.
Enzo Fernandez has a €120m release clause in his contract with Benfica, but Chelsea have so far been reluctant to trigger it. The Blues wants to pay the transfer fee in installments, but they have not yet reached an agreement with Benfica over it.
90min report that Chelsea have expressed a willingness to spend over €120m in a structured deal for Enzo Fernandez. However, how that figure would be divided has not yet been agreed upon.
Benfica’s public stance remains that they will only part ways with Fernandez this January if his release clause is paid in full. However, 90min also reports that Benfica are ready to accept a structured payment as long as there is a significant up-front payment.
Meanwhile, the Blues also retain an interest in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, who they submitted a bid for. However, Brighton turned down Chelsea’s £50m bid for the Ecuadorian midfielder, who has also attracted transfer interest from Arsenal.
Arsenal have made two bids – which were higher than Chelsea’s – for Moises Caicedo but Brighton have rejected those proposals too. With less than 48 hours of the 2023 January transfer window remaining, it remains to be seen if Chelsea will pull off a deal for any – or both – of the aforementioned players.
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