Chelsea close to signing Enzo Fernandes from Benfica after willing to pay 120 euros release clause as midfielder agrees personal terms

Chelsea are close to signing Enzo Fernandes from Benfica this winter.

The 21-year old midfielder emerged best young player of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar that was won by his Argentina after beating France 4-2 on penalties.

Fernandes who became one of the top performers of the World Cup has attracted interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, AC Milan and Chelsea but it is understood that the Blues are the only side currently on the negotiations table with Benfica.

And talks have reached advanced stage with Chelsea accepting to pay Fernandes’ 120 million euros release clause. Fernandes has reportedly agreed personal terms with Graham Potter’s side and willing to play at Stamford ahead of the January transfer window.

With Chelsea’s huge advancement, the MARCA has revealed that the method of payment could hinder the deal. The London side wants to pay a little more of the clause that will force them to do so in cash. Benfica will allow deferred payment as club President Rui Costa reluctant to let Fernandes leave January.

Benfica, who will only net 75 per cent of the fee, were quite reluctant to let their star player leave in the winter transfer window, but the Blues are intent.

Fernandez has been training in Lisbon for a few days now, waiting for news. Benfica have their first game tonight against Sporting Braga, but he will not be in the squad.

According to Portuguese media, the Lisbon club’s president Rui Costa is willing to offer the Argentinian a bonus of two million euros if he decides to stay until the end of the season.

Benfica play in February in the last 16 of the Champions League against Club Brugge and are the leaders of the Liga Portugal.

If everything is confirmed, Fernandez would become the most expensive Argentine in history, an honour currently held by Gonzalo Higuain after Juve paid 90 euros release clause to secure the Argentine from Napoli in 2016.