Fabrizio Romano has dropped a major update on the future of Benfica star Enzo Fernandez after Chelsea reportedly tabled a British record bid for the midfielder.
The Telegraph claimed earlier on Monday that the Blues had offered £105 million to sign the 21-year-old, with the current British record held by Jack Grealish's £100 million move from Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021.
They have been pursuing Fernandez throughout January, following his impressive performances at the World Cup with Argentina. He was given the FIFA Young Player award in Qatar, and is seen by Chelsea as an ideal addition to their midfield. Boss Graham Potter is said to 'fully back' the pursuit.
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The Blues have already spent big in January, paying a total fee of £89 million for Mykhailo Mudryk, £35 million for Benoit Badashile, and £29 million for Noni Madueke.
But a successful deal for Fernandez would represent their biggest outlay yet under co-owner Todd Boehly, and the biggest deal, incoming or outgoing, in the club's history.
Benfica called off talks with Chelsea earlier this month due to the size of instalments the Blues were offering, and it was expected that the Argentina star would stay in Portugal beyond January.
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However, that is now in doubt, and Romano has given another key update on the player's future.
Romano on Chelsea target Fernandez
Taking to Twitter, Romano confirmed last night that Benfica are still keen to keep their star asset at the club.
He explained: "Chelsea are back in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernandez. They want the player at all costs - Chelsea would be prepared to pay €120m fee [release clause].
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"Benfica president Rui Costa still has no intention to accept - but Chelsea will insist to get the deal done now."
The Times journalist Duncan Castles, meanwhile, has claimed that Fernandez has not trained with Benfica today following reports of the new bid to pressure the club into accepting Chelsea's offer.
And in his most recent update, Romano says: "Meeting ongoing between Chelsea and Benfica for Enzo Fernandez. Talks are taking place right now as Chelsea will push until the end.
"Chelsea proposal: €120m in different instalments. No issues on player side and personal terms."
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Given that the fee will be presented to Benfica in instalments, they will likely not be obliged to accept the offer, despite it matching the player's release clause.
What is clear is that this deal will go down to the wire - and Chelsea are desperate to get it done.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez, Premier League, Fabrizio Romano, Transfers