Chelsea willing to pay €120 million for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernández

Chelsea are reportedly willing to make a €120 million offer for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernández, according to journalist Cesar Luis Merlo.

Fernández, a recent World Cup winner with Argentina, is one of Chelsea’s top targets as they look to continue adding to Graham Potter’s squad.

The Stamford Bridge club have already signed seven new players in the January transfer window and remain interested in the 2022 World Cup Young Player of the Tournament.

Benfica standing firm

Fernández has a €120 million release clause and Benfica director of football Rui Costa has told the London club to pay the full fee if they want to sign the talented midfielder.

The Portuguese club have not been interested in selling the player they bought for €14 million from River Plate last summer, with Chelsea reportedly putting a large fee and players in a deal for Fernández.

Morocco international Hakim Ziyech is believed to have been part of the deal, and Benfica were given the opportunity to sign new Chelsea signings David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos on loan deals.

No Chelsea players in deal

If Chelsea come up with the €120 million for the 22-year-old, it will be paid over multiple payments. Cesar Luis Merlo reports that the Premier League club will meet Benfica’s asking price but without involving players in the deal.

The Blues don’t have long left in the January transfer window but with seven new faces already in the door at Stamford Bridge, the signing of Fernández would not be a major shock.