Chelsea are holding ‘key meetings’ over a potential deal for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.
The west London outfit’s pursuit of the 22-year-old has been one of football’s most open secrets during the January transfer window, and it appears as though it’s set to go down to the final few hours.
Chelsea transfer news – Enzo Fernandez
Sky Sports reported on January 30th that Chelsea had ‘not given up’ on trying to sign Fernandez as they desperately look to reshape their ageing midfield.
The Argentina international, who played a key part in his nation’s World Cup success last year, has a €120m (£105.4m) release clause written into his contract.
Chelsea are believed to have offered players on loan or on a permanent basis in order to try and sweeten the deal but Benfica are determined to receive Fernandez’s release clause in full.

Previous negotiations between the two clubs at the beginning of the month ended after they both moved the goalposts, but talks are now firmly underway once more.
Fernandez could become the most expensive Premier League signing ever if Chelsea surpass the £100 million mark, with the record currently set by Manchester City and Jack Grealish.
What has Phillips said about Fernandez?
Phillips has disclosed that he’s ‘been told to expect something’ imminently, with update varying in positivity throughout deadline day.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
In an interview with GMS, he said: “There are key meetings right now. I’ve been told to expect something around 4pm, maybe after that.
“It’s 50/50 right now – I’ve been told there was quite a bit of positivity on it this morning and then this afternoon not quite so much positivity.”
Who have Chelsea signed this January?
Chelsea have enjoyed an extremely productive first January window under the ownership of Todd Boehly, bringing in several stars in big-money deals.
The capital club beat rivals Arsenal to the signature of Mykhailo Mudryk despite already bringing in fellow attacker Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on loan.
Central defender Benoit Badiashile also arrived from Monaco to provide cover and competition for ageing stars such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta.
While Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos, and David Datro Fofana have also been snapped up as part of Chelsea’s lavish spending spree.
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