Chelsea are 'already negotiating' with Benfica over the big-money signing of exciting youngster Enzo Fernandez, according to journalist Cesar Luis Merlo.

The Lowdown: Enzo strongly linked with move

The 21-year-old had a memorable 2022 World Cup with Argentina, not only winning the tournament but also scooping the Best Young Player award in Qatar.

Since then, Fernandez has become hot property and Chelsea have arguably emerged as the front-runners to sign him in the January transfer window.

Now, another update has emerged - one that further suggests that a move to Stamford Bridge could be on the cards very soon.

The Latest: New update emerges

Taking to Twitter, Merlo gave an update on the situation, claiming that talks over a €127million (£112.6m) transfer are fully underway:

"Chelsea and Benfica are already negotiating forms and structures around the offer of €127M for Enzo Fernandez. The fixed amount, bonuses and forms of payment must be established. It is not an easy operation but the English are bidding for it."

Meanwhile, Record [via Sport Witness] also report that Fernandez is 'tempted' by a move to Chelsea, especially given the lure of the Premier League.

The Verdict: Midfield saviour?

Fernandez is understandably one of the world's most sought-after young midfielders now and he is someone who could be a long-term colossus in the middle of the park for Chelsea.

With the likes of N'Golo Kante and Jorginho now in their 30s, fresh blood is required as soon as possible and the Argentine could be the perfect fit for Graham Potter.

A player with maturity beyond his years in a deep-lying midfield role, Fernandez enjoyed an 87.6% pass completion rate at the World Cup, as well as averaging an impressive 3.1 tackles per game, showing tenacity off the ball and class on it.