Enzo Fernandez ‘says yes’ to Chelsea transfer as club open talks

Chelsea have reportedly opened direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernandez with the player himself already ‘saying yes’ to the move. The Argentinian midfielder has been linked with a host of clubs following his performances at the World Cup and the Blues appear to be in pole position for his services. 

Fernandez is currently one of the hottest properties in world football after picking up the young player of the tournament award at the World Cup in Qatar. Liverpool and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the player but it appears Chelsea have stolen a march on their rivals. 

That is according to football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano who reports the Blues are now in ‘direct talks’ for the midfielder with Benfica. The Londoners hope to avoid forking out on his £105million release clause in one sitting. They still face paying a huge amount but are keen to pay the fee across a longer time period. 

Fernandez himself seems keen on the move, having already agreed to the deal on offer at Stamford Bridge according to Romano. Liverpool and United are yet to bid so the move could now just come down to whether or not the two clubs can come to an agreement. 

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Earlier on Friday it was reported, again by Romano, that Fernandez had been pushing for a move away from Benfica in favour of a move to the Premier League. This now appears to be closer to coming to fruition with the latest developments. 

The 21-year-old excels in the holding midfield position and could be a long-term replacement for Jorginho given his quality on the ball. He has made 21 appearances for Benfica in all competitions this year, quickly emerging as a key player following his summer arrival from River Plate. 

Benfica are understandably reluctant to lose the player as a result making a public statement on Thursday that he would be staying in Portugal until at least the end of the season after club president Rui Costa was quoted saying Fernandez wishes would be respected if he wanted to leave. 

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It read: “SL Benfica clarifies that at no time did the President of the Club, Rui Costa, utter the words that are being circulated in Italy by DAZN.

“Sport Lisboa e Benfica reiterates its intention to count on the player Enzo Fernandez until the end of the season.”

With talks commencing over the midfielder’s future it appears their actions publically are very different to those in private. It remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea can get the deal over the line but the latest development will no doubt create excitement within the fanbase.