Chelsea have reportedly offered €90 million plus three players to Benfica to sign top midfield target Enzo Fernandez.
According to Portuguese publication Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, the talks between Chelsea and Benfica regarding Enzo Fernandez have now stalled. And the Portuguese outfit are holding out for a fee of around €120 million for the 21-year-old World Cup winner .
Chelsea are looking to improve the midfield department with the signing of the 21-year-old Argentine international, who impressed during the World Cup and helped this country lift the trophy. Fernandez was chosen as the Best Young Player of the tournament, and it is no surprise that top clubs like Chelsea are keen on securing his services.
Apparently, Chelsea were prepared to pay over his release clause to sign the player so that they can structure the payments. However, the Blues altered their offer when the Benfica officials arrived in London to further the transfer talks.
Instead of offering to pay over the release clause, the Blues submitted an offer of around €90 million plus Hakim Ziyech for Enzo Fernandez. They were also willing to send Andrey Santos, who will soon join Chelsea, and David Fofana on loan to the Portuguese club.
The offer was met with displeasure from the Benfica officials, and the Portuguese outfit are disappointed with the Premier League club’s decision to change the offer. It will be interesting to see if the Blues decide to accept Benfica’s demands before the January transfer window closes.
Chelsea were hoping to pay the release clause in multiple instalments at first. But their latest stunt is likely to anger the Portuguese outfit and they will demand the €120 million clause to be paid in full, in a single instalment. And talks between the two clubs have stalled.
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea and Benfica can come to an agreement over the next few days. Apparently, the Blues have already agreed on terms with the 21-year-old midfielder, who is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge. Fernandez is a world-class talent with a big future ahead of him. The player will feel the move to Stamford Bridge will only accelerate his development and help him fulfil his tremendous potential.
