enzo-fernandez-argentina
Chelsea have reached a ‘crucial’ stage of negotiations over the signing of Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Enzo pursuit moving fast
The 22-year-old burst onto the scene at the 2022 World Cup, winning the competition with Argentina and winning the Best Young Player award in Qatar.
Chelsea have since been linked with a move for Fernandez throughout the winter window, as Graham Potter looks to make additions to an ageing midfield.
Fresh reports have suggested that the transfer could still happen before deadline day ends on Tuesday evening and a new update has now emerged.
The Latest: Romano drops fresh update
Taking to Twitter on Monday morning, Romano claimed that negotiations over a €120million (£105.5m) move are ongoing with Benfica, as talks reach a critical stage:
“Understand Chelsea are negotiating with Benfica again right now — as they have confirmed to Benfica intention to proceed with €120m bid in installments for Enzo Fernández. It’s a crucial day.
“Rui Costa, expected to decide after he always asked for the release clause.”
The Verdict: Could be a huge signing
For a while, it looked as though Benfica would hold firm and keep hold of Fernandez until the summer, but there does now appear to be genuine hope from a Chelsea perspective.
If they could get a deal over the line, it could be a signing that helps turn their uninspiring season around, with the Benfica man described as a ‘spectacular’ player by none other than Lionel Messi – high praise indeed.
The ten-time capped Argentina international already plays with such maturity and could bring a mix of energy and control to Chelsea’s midfield, enjoying an 87.6% pass completion rate and averaging 3.1 tackles per match at the World Cup, while also ranking extremely highly amongst midfielders for several metrics at club level, as per FBRef.
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