Chelsea have been linked with a move for Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez, but talks with Benfica have collapsed.
Chelsea have been trying to agree on a deal with Benfica for Enzo Fernandez over the past few days. But it seems that the move for the 21-year-old central midfielder has now collapsed. As per Cesar Luis Merlo, the Portuguese giants want the €120 million release clause paid upfront in a single instalment.
The Blues were prepared to pay over the asking price and shatter their club record. And recent reports had suggested that there was an agreement between the two clubs. But Chelsea wanted to structure the deal in a way where they could pay for the player in multiple instalments.
It will be interesting to see if Benfica are willing to cave in and restart negotiations in the coming weeks. The Argentine international is reportedly desperate to move to the Premier League club. But triggering the €120 million is a major stumbling block for Chelsea.
Fernandez is one of the most talented young midfielders in the world right now, and he showed his class in the recently concluded World Cup. The 21-year-old was chosen as the Best Young player of the tournament as Argentina won the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
Fernandez has certainly proven his worth for his country and will hope to make a step up in the club level now. He will want to play for a club capable of winning major trophies, and it remains to be seen whether he can secure the transfer to Chelsea before the January transfer window closes.
The Blues are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they have the resources to challenge for major trophies. A move to England can help Fernandez improve as a player and compete at a higher level.
Also, Graham Potter can have a big impact on his development. The Chelsea manager did exceptionally well to nurture several players at Brighton & Hove Albion. And Fernandez will certainly benefit from working with him.
Chelsea might need to replace players like Jorghinho and N’Golo Kante at the end of the season. And it is no surprise that they are looking to bring in elite midfield talents. They have been linked with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham as well. It remains to be seen how the situation involving Enzo Fernandez unfolds over the next few days.
