Chelsea to reopen negotiations for Enzo Fernandez, ready to offer €100 million and its key player

Chelsea will resume talks with Enzo Fernandez because they are desperate for a midfielder and are willing to offer their key player.

Chelsea to reopen negotiations for Enzo Fernandez, ready to offer €100 million and its key player

Chelsea is willing to pay Benfica €100 million plus any player they want for midfield target Benfica starlet Enzo Fernandez. The Blues renewed their interest in Fernandez this month after Argentina won the World Cup. Fernandez won the Best Young Player award in Qatar. Chelsea surpassed the £200 million threshold in January spending earlier this week after sealing the Lyon full-back Malo Gusto signing.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has also recruited David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Benoit Badiashile, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke to his roster. To say the least, there will be a slew of high-profile arrivals at Stamford Bridge. However, none of them is a midfielder which Chelsea needs. N’Golo Kante has been out since August following hamstring surgery, while Denis Zakaria is now out with a knee injury. Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, according to South American writer César Luis Merlo, is willing to dive into his pockets once again before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

YouTube video

According to people close to the matter, the Premier League club would be ready to part with a player of Benfica’s choice in addition to their initial €100 million offer. You have to presume there is a limit. What if Mudryk packed his things and flew to Portugal, for example? Chelsea are set to sell several players this summer as their team expands. In addition to the squad’s deadwood, a whopping 20 players are on loan. Malang Sarr, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Romelu Lukaku were all routinely utilized last term.

FS Video

Fernandez wants to go but will not disrespect Benfica by forcing the matter. The 22-year-old scored in his first game after the World Cup and proudly patted the club crest on his chest. Roger Schmidt, manager of Benfica, stated:  “I never doubted Enzo’s attitude or personality. He is a great person and loves playing for Benfica. His return was very important, and now he can focus again on playing football. It was an excellent ending (the goal) to this game.” Chelsea’s next match is against Fulham on Saturday.

In case you missed it: Jose Mourinho to make a shocking comeback to Chelsea as Blues continue to struggle under Graham Potter

Benfica will allegedly pay Enzo Fernandez €2 million as an apology for the Chelsea deal falling through

Enzo moved to Benfica in a €15 million move. (Image via Getty Images)

After Argentina won the World Cup, the midfielder has been linked with a move away from the Estadio da Luz. Chelsea expressed strong interest in signing Fernandez, which should be no surprise to anyone following the headlines this month. His release clause is £106 million, and Blues owner Todd Boehly pursued the possibility knowing his squad required reinforcements in the centre of the field. It was also observed that he was one of the most favorites while playing as his presence in the field saw some high odds on betting platforms with some of the best betting offers.

Given Fernandez’s performances in Qatar, Benfica refused to negotiate a cheaper fee. Chelsea shifted their focus to other targets as a result. According to the Portuguese newspaper Record, Benfica will pay Fernandez €2 million as ‘compensation’ for the failed transfer. It’s not a horrible apology present to get. Fernandez was voted World Cup’s Best Young Player after appearing in five games and scoring one goal. He also helped La Albiceleste win their third World Cup, and first since 1986.