Chelsea ‘might try and push’ for Fernandez

Chelsea ‘might try and push’ to bring Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez to the Premier League this coming week, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Fernandez wants move

The Blues saw a £112m offer for the 22-year-old rejected at the beginning of the transfer window, with the Portuguese giants demanding that the bid was restructured, despite the proposal being higher than his £106m release clause.

Journalist Jacob Steinberg has claimed that Todd Boehly is planning to make a second approach for the playmaker before the end of the month, though Benfica have no intention of selling their star and are set to reject any fresh offer.

The Argentinian, however, has reportedly told his club that he wants to make the move to Stamford Bridge this January, giving his potential suitors hope that a deal could be struck.

The Latest: Phillips’ update

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Phillips now shares what he’s heard on Chelsea’s chances of completing a deal for Fernandez ahead of the final week of the window.

“There’s the Enzo Fernández situation that still isn’t going away. It’s still hovering around there.

“There were some whispers last week, I’ve been hearing that Chelsea might try and push again for that in the final week of the window.

“They’re not going to pay his full release clause, which is what Benfica are asking for at the moment.”

Will Chelsea sign Fernandez this month?

Yes!

No!

The Verdict: Massive coup

Fernandez has been dubbed a ‘phenomenon’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and it would be a massive coup for Chelsea should they be able to get this move over the line.

The San Martin native currently averages 1.8 shots and the same number of key passes per Liga Portugal game, alongside having six goal contributions to his name (WhoScored).

Fernandez returned from Qatar a World Cup winner with his country but also enjoyed personal success at the tournament, having received the best young player award.

Boehly hasn’t recently had any issues in splashing big money to secure the likes of Mykhaylo Mudryk, and this situation shouldn’t be any different should the owner want to land the Benfica gem, who ranks in the top third of every attacking metric and all but one possession metric compared to other central midfielders (FBRef).