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Chelsea are readying a mammoth part-exchange bid to sign Benfica star Enzo Fernandez this month, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Fernandez links…
The Argentina international, who played a starring role for his nation as they won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has been of serious interest to Chelsea this January transfer window.
Todd Boehly and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy have been making moves for Fernandez behind-the-scenes with reports claiming they were in talks a few weeks ago.
Links to the 22-year-old haven’t faded as manager Graham Potter allegedly seeks to add a new midfielder to his ranks, with a report from Portugal sharing the latest.
The Latest: Chelsea ready mammoth Fernandez…
According to Record, via Sport Witness, the Blues are now readying a mammoth €100 million (£88m) offer for Fernandez ‘plus a couple of players’.
The part-exchange bid, though, may not be enough with Benfica unwilling to sell and therefore Potter’s side may have to trigger his €120 million (£105m) release clause to make a deal possible.
The Verdict: Make the move?
Reports have suggested that Moises Caicedo is another player of interest to Chelsea amid their hunt for a new midfielder.
Boehly and co do have alternatives to Fernandez if they opt not to trigger Fernandez’s release clause or raise their offer, it would seem.
However, going by the South American star’s serious credentials, we believe they shouldn’t be so quick to move on from a midfielder proven both at club and international level.
Fernandez won the World Cup Young Player of the Tournament award for his exploits in Qatar and has carried over that form for Benfica.
According to WhoScored, only three players have featured over more league minutes than the indispensable midfielder who also ranks in their top two for tackles made per 90 in Liga Portugal.
Fernandez also ranks joint-top of his side’s rankings for assists this season (5), impressive for a supposedly defensive-minded player.
A real all-rounder, the ‘sensational’ midfielder has also amassed Benfica’s third-highest rate of key passes made per 90 in the final third.
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