31 January 2023 , 10:25
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Chelsea have been handed a major hint that Enzo Fernandez will completed his long-awaited move to Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez emerged as a target for the Blues after winning the World Cup with Argentina in December. The midfielder was crowned Young Player of the Tournament for his performances for La Albiceleste, featuring in all seven of their games as they lifted the trophy.
He has also impressed for Benfica, missing just one match in their charge to the top of the Primiera Liga. Those performances earned admiring glances from Chelsea, who are ready to make him the most expensive signing in their history.
However, the Blues want to spread the payments over a lengthy period of time, something Benfica have not been keen to agree to. Now, though, it appears that the deal is progressing as the hours count down till the end of the transfer window.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Benfica's technical director Rui Pedro Braz has flown out of Lisbon as he searches for an alternative to Fernandez. It appears then that the Portuguese giants are preparing for the Argentine to depart.
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It is expected that it will cost in the region of £115million for Chelsea to sign the 22-year-old, which would be a new club record. Benfica boss Roger Schmidt has previously insisted that Fernandez would not be leaving, but opened the door to an exit over the weekend.
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Roger Schmidt has previously insisted Enzo Fernandez would not depart but opened the door to an exit over the weekend (ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)"While the transfer windows are open, we have to be prepared for anything. We all know that there is this situation with Enzo, who has a release clause and, if there is a club that pays it, it is a lot of money, we cannot prevent it," he said.
"If that happens, we will have to be prepared and find solutions. At the moment, Enzo is still our player and we'll see what happens until the end of the market. When the transfer window closes, I will be very happy.
"We will be able to focus completely again on playing in the best way until the end of the season. He's our player and he has all the support. As I said before, he is a great person and a great player.
"While the market is open, you always have to wait for something to happen, we know how the football business works. That's all I can say on this subject."
If he does indeed sign for Chelsea, Fernandez would be the eighth signing of the window for the Blues. Mykhaylo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Joao Felix, Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto, David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos have already arrived in west London.
It follows a summer window in which Chelsea also signed eight players, with Todd Boehly flexing his financial muscle. Boss Graham Potter is keen to boost his squad following a disappointing run of results.
Though his side have started to turn a corner with a win over Crystal Palace and a draw at Liverpool, the Blues sit 10th in the Premier League, 10 points adrift of the Champions League qualification places.