Chelsea now ‘feel they can clinch deal’ for £106m star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea are growing in confidence that they can ‘find a way’ of tempting Benfica into sanctioning Enzo Fernandez’s move to Stamford Bridge, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.

Blues boss Graham Potter could welcome further reinforcements to west London ahead of the 11pm deadline on January 31.

Chelsea transfer news – Enzo Fernandez

According to Record, Chelsea are preparing a fresh offer as they look to get a deal for Fernandez over the line ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.

The report suggests the Blues are refusing to give up in their pursuit of the Argentina international after seeing previous offers turned down by Benfica.

But the same Portuguese media outlet, via Football.London, has revealed that Fernandez is set to receive close to £2million from his current employers as compensation for his aborted switch.

Benfica boss Roger Schmidt has insisted he does not expect the central midfielder to complete a switch before the deadline unless his £106million release clause is paid upfront.

Phillips recently told GiveMeSport that Chelsea could push for an agreement despite being unwilling to meet that hefty figure.

What has Simon Phillips said about Fernandez?

Phillips understands that Benfica are still playing hardball and are refusing to lower their financial demands over Fernandez.

But the journalist is aware that Chelsea have remained in constant discussions with the Portuguese giants and there is growing optimism that a compromise will be reached.

Phillips told GiveMeSport: “Benfica are still staying pretty resolute in their negotiations at the moment and talks are ongoing.

“I know this has been played down a lot, but I understand that the talks never did actually stop.

“There was always a dialogue open between the two clubs. Chelsea still feel that they can find a way of getting a deal done now.”

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What would Fernandez add to Chelsea’s midfield?

According to FBref, Fernandez has averaged more assists and shots per 90 minutes, as well as boasting a better pass completion ratio, than current Chelsea midfield duo Jorginho and N’Golo Kante this season.

That emphasises the South American could be an upgrade on the pair, who are facing uncertain futures after moving into the final six months of their respective contracts.

Fernandez has racked up more than 30 goal contributions over the course of his senior club career, so it is abundantly clear that he would make Chelsea more of a force in the final third of the pitch.

But the 22-year-old’s defensive capabilities should not be overlooked as Sofascore statistics show he is averaging 2.4 tackles in the Portuguese top flight this season.

Fernandez, who clinched the Young Player of the Tournament award after playing a key role in Argentina winning the World Cup last month, would take Chelsea’s midfield to the next level.

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