Chelsea’s next big midfield signing after Enzo Fernandez

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 28 Dec 2022 16:36 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the signing of Benfica sensation Enzo Fernandez, but they are already planning to buy another top central midfielder in 2023.

It was revealed on Wednesday by Chelsea transfer expert Nizaar Kinsella that the Blues have expressed their willingness to pay Enzo’s €120 million release clause fee in order to beat competition from Manchester United and Liverpool.

Fernandez was one of the best midfielders at the 2022 World Cup, playing a key role as Argentina won the trophy.

READ: Who is Enzo Fernandez? The World Cup star chased by Man Utd and Real Madrid

His signing would represent a major coup for the Premier League giants as they continue their rebuild under new American owner Todd Boehly.

However, Chelsea will not stop there when it comes to improving their central midfield.

According to La Repubblica, Chelsea are also planning to make an offer for Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella in the summer of 2023.

How much will Barella cost?

Barella is valued at around €90m but that is unlikely to deter Chelsea, who are big fans of the former Cagliari star.

The 25-year-old has developed into one of the most admired midfielders in Europe over the past few years and played a key role as Italy won Euro 2020 last year.

He also was a pivotal player for Inter as they won their first Scudetto in 2021 in 11 years.

Inter would prefer to keep Barella but are also mindful about their precarious financial situation. Should they sell him, they would like to replace him with Sassuolo star Davide Frattesi.

That may prove difficult, though, as Frattesi is currently in talks to sign for his favourite club Roma.