Chelsea have ‘kept the dialogue open with Benfica‘ and a big-money move for Enzo Fernandez ‘isn’t completely dead’ despite Mykhailo Mudryk’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.
Blues boss Graham Potter has bolstered his attacking options by completing the £88.5million acquisition of Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk, but he could welcome further reinforcements to west London ahead of the transfer deadline at the end of the month.
Chelsea transfer news – Enzo Fernandez
Transfer insider Dean Jones recently told GiveMeSport that Chelsea ‘might come back to the table’ for Fernandez after initially failing in their pursuit.
It appeared that the capital club were on the verge of agreeing a deal worth £115million with Benfica earlier this month, but the Argentina international has remained on the Portuguese giants’ books.
Fernandez has confirmed he is open to making the move to Stamford Bridge, while he has also told current boss Roger Schmidt that he is keen to complete the transfer and agent Jorge Mendes has been pushing to reach an agreement.
But respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed Benfica president Rui Costa is unwilling to sanction the 22-year-old’s mid-season departure unless his £107million release clause is met.
Chelsea have been willing to surpass the figure written into Fernandez’s contract and lodged a big-money offer as it would allow them to structure the deal in a way which means the fee does not need to be paid in a singular lump sum.
What has Simon Phillips said about Fernandez?
Phillips believes there is still a possibility that Fernandez will end up heading to Chelsea before the transfer window slams shut.
The journalist understands the Blues have remained in discussions with Benfica and the buyout fee written into the midfielder’s contract gives the capital club hope of reaching an agreement.
Phillips told GiveMeSport: “I think the Enzo Fernandez move isn’t completely dead yet, purely because he’s still got that release clause.
“Chelsea have kept the dialogue open with Benfica, although you see everything in the media that Benfica are angry and lots of other stories about that.”
Should Chelsea make Fernandez a priority signing?
Fernandez was sensational at the World Cup and his performances resulted in him being handed a 7.06 rating by WhoScored, which was only bettered by three Argentina teammates en route to glory.
The Benfica talisman got his hands on the Young Player of the Tournament award in Qatar and used the competition to showcase his talent.
But Fernandez has also been shining at club level for a sustained period, scoring 17 goals and grabbing as many assists in 112 senior appearances.
With uncertainty lingering over the respective futures of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante, thanks to their contracts being due to expire in the summer, Potter ought to add another central midfielder to his options this month.
Chelsea fans have also claimed their club should have prioritised completing a move for Fernandez ahead of signing Mudryk, so it is clear the supporters are keen for the South American to arrive at Stamford Bridge and co-owner Todd Boehly should grant their wish.
Source: msn
