Premier League giants Chelsea are on the verge of landing a key January transfer target, according to reports.
The player in question? Enzo Fernandez.
The name of midfielder Fernandez, of course, has taken its place front and centre in the headlines across the week to date.
This comes after word was forthcoming that the aforementioned Chelsea had stepped up their pursuit of the Argentine international – fresh off a stellar showing en route to World Cup glory in Qatar.
The Blues, it is understood, have identified Fernandez as their no.1 target to reinforce Graham Potter’s ranks in the middle of the park.
Talks, in turn, have long been kicked into gear between the powers that be at Stamford Bridge, and their counterparts at Portuguese heavyweights Benfica.
Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez kisses the World Cup trophy before the ceremony following FIFA World Cup final at Lusail Stadium, Qatar. Picture date: Sunday December 18, 2022. (Alamy Stock Photo)
Benfica, until today, were understood to have been heavily reluctant to sanction Fernandez’s sale this month.
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, though, the latest offer tabled by Chelsea has essentially left the Eagles brass with no choice.
This comes amid claims that a mammoth €130 million transfer is on the verge of being completed, after Chelsea agreed to pay over the odds, so as to spread the payment terms over a lengthier period.
Fernandez, in turn, is viewed as being ‘one step away’ from west London.
El Chelsea, a un paso de cerrar el fichaje de Enzo Fernández. En @relevo https://t.co/VPLUMgPK7B
— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) December 31, 2022
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