Chelsea plan fresh raid to sign Enzo Fernández from Benfica

Chelsea back on Enzo deal

Chelsea are considering a new bid for Enzo Fernández after previously failing to agree on a deal with Benfica. His contract includes a £106 million release clause, and Benfica are hesitant to sell the Argentina international for less. Chelsea attempted to pay less during the first round of negotiations, but ended up shifting their emphasis to other targets.

Graham Potter wants midfield reinforcements and Chelsea, who are spending heavily under their latest ownership, had a £55m bid for Brighton’s Moisés Caicedo rejected last week. An improved offer for the Ecuador international remains a possibility, with Brighton scouring the market for potential replacements for the 21-year-old.

However, Fernández, who was instrumental in Argentina’s World Cup victory last month, remains a viable possibility for Chelsea. According to sources, talks are set to restart this week. Benfica, who are in the last 16 of the Champions League, want to keep Fernández until the end of the season despite the fact that he has consistently stated his desire to join Chelsea.

The London club is interested in other midfielders, notably Brighton’s Alexis MacAllister. Since being owned by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, they have spent approximately £460 million on 15 players.

Chelsea desperately needs new legs in central midfield. Jorginho might depart on a free transfer this summer, and while N’Golo Kanté’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, the Frenchman has been side lined with a hamstring injury since August.

Chelsea are also set to compete for Declan Rice this summer, although Arsenal appear to be the favourites to secure the West Ham captain. Liverpool, Manchester City, and Real Madrid are thought to be more likely destinations for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Boehly and Clearlake have been active in the transfer market. This month they have made the permanent additions of Andrey Santos, Benoît Badiashile, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke and the loan signing of João Félix.

As Chelsea continue rebuilding, they are also considering whether to let go some players. Potter has warned that Chelsea’s squad must not become bloated. Everton are one of the clubs interested in the Morocco winger Hakim Ziyech. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been linked with a swift return to Barcelona, and Christian Pulisic is being closely monitored by Serie A Champions, AC Milan.

The Blues are also looking for a right-back to provide cover for injured Reece James, who is close to returning from a knee injury. A deal for Lyon defender Malo Gusto, 19, has been rejected by the French club, which does not want to sell but the London giants are set to increase their bid to land the Frenchman.