January transfer: Chelsea closing in on completing €130m signing

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Benfica and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to Spanish journalist Matteo Moretto.

Talks between Chelsea and Benfica have intensified in the last few hours and an agreement over the transfer of Fernandez is a matter of time.

Fernandez has a €120m release clause in his contract, however, Chelsea do not want to trigger that as it will have to be paid up front.

Chelsea are reportedly close to agreeing a fixed fee plus add-ons totalling around €130million.

Benfica are now open to allowing Fernandez leave in January after being reluctant initially and are hopeful that a full agreement will be reached in the first week of January.

The 21-year-old World Cup winner with Argentina at the Qatar 2022 World Cup has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea.

Boehly was able to close the deal with little fuss due to his strong relationship with the midfielder’s agent, Jorge Mendes.

It is said that Manchester United ‘were the side most interested’ in signing Fernandez, but ‘fell behind’ after failing to lodge a bid.