Chelsea are set to undergo Enzo Fernandez’s medical in Portugal ahead of a Premier League record £105m deal as the club race to meet Tuesday’s 11pm transfer deadline.
Sky Sports News I understand that club officials are in Lisbon as they work to seal a deal for the line.
Chelsea have told Benfica they are willing to pay his £105.85m (€120m) release clause.
Argentina’s World Cup winner has again informed Benfica that he wants to join Chelsea today.
Chelsea wants to structure payments in installments as a lump sum payment has financial fair play and tax implications.
Carragher: Chelsea’s approach looks wasted
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher on Chelsea’s approach to the transfer market under new owner Todd Boilley:
“We feel a bit scattered, we thought in the summer, I think there’s obviously a plan for what they want to do going forward,” he said Sky Sports News.
“I’ll be really interested to know what the manager’s personal thoughts are as it seems like he’s just come into this club and players are just coming in left, right and center and he’s got to build something and build some kind of squad .
“He will have great players but can you create that kind of team ethic and bond that all the big teams need in the future? But if you’re a Chelsea fan, it’s really exciting. Todd Boyley has come in and put his money where his mouth is and he wants to get Chelsea back on top.”
Merson questions Fernandez’s fee
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Sky Sports’ Paul Merson questions the huge transfer fee Chelsea may have to pay for Argentine Enzo Fernandez and also believes Conor Gallagher could be the answer for Everton this transfer window.
Sky Sports’ Paul Merson on Chelsea’s pursuit of Enzo Fernandes:
“I really don’t like to buy players on the back of World Cups. You need more than that. But he was outstanding. That’s a lot of money.
“This championship is not like any other championship in the world, it is so difficult. You have to take risks along the way. Can he produce what he produced at the World Cup? Only time will tell.”
Analysis: What Fernandez will bring to Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Ron Walker:
“Fernandez’s attributes clearly show how he can help. Still only halfway through his first season with Benfica, he has amassed the second-highest number of assists in the Primeira Liga and created 30 chances for his team-mates – some of them particularly careful – catching and a stunning pinpoint set-up for Goncalo Ramos against Sporting more early this month, perhaps the best choice.
“It is this kind of playmaking potential that sparked the interest of Manchester City and Real Madrid in signing him from youngster River Plate last summer before he moved to Lisbon.
“No one in the Portuguese top division has made more passes than the Argentine and if he does end up replacing Jorginho at Stamford Bridge, he will also provide something extra in the final third, where he also tops the passing charts.
“If Chelsea want to play with two midfielders, he would offer a better option there as well. Fernandes has already taken charge without the ball at Benfica, regularly stepping into the lead role as required. He was one of the best players in the league, and only 10 players across the division won the ball more in the middle third despite his considerable output further up the pitch.”
Read the full feature here
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