- 23 hours ago
Chelsea urged to go back in for Benfica's Enzo Fernandez
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 23 Jan 2023 09:19 GMT
- 5 min read
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has been told to re-enter the race to sign Benfica star Enzo Fernandez following his display against Santa Clara.
The 21-year-old provided two assists, while also completing the most duels, tackles and dribbles on the pitch, in a complete performance during Benfica's 3-0 away win.
The Blues were close to signing the Argentine at the start of the January transfer window, and a deal had seemingly been agreed before the West London club decided to offer less than they had originally arranged with Benfica.
READ: Kai Havertz: Bayern in contact with Chelsea over possible January transfer
As a result, the Portuguese club walked away from negotiations and the two parties are yet to restart discussions, with Benfica reaffirming their message that Fernandez will not leave unless his €120 million release clause is activated.
Chelsea have not gone back to Fernandez and have since moved on to other targets, such as Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo.
However, their first bid was turned down by the south coast side, and Boehly has been urged to pay the money for Fernandez by Blues fans.
READ: Chelsea identify Lyon's Malo Gusto as their right-back search continues
What has been said?
Another top performance from Enzo with two assists.
Would genuinely do anything to see him play for Chelsea. Imagine him spraying those passes in behind to Mudryk and linking up with Felix.
He’s going to be the complete midfielder. Hope we go back for him next summer 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/bo0R1Rt98s— FutbolChelsea (@FutbolCheIsea) January 21, 2023
Howdy, @SLBenfica can we do a lower base deal for Enzo Fernandez with add ons, with the benefit of you keeping him until the end of the season on loan. Your title charge is of great importance & would like to help fund your well scouted replacement. cc: @todd_boehly @Dannythefink
— MAH (@matissearmani) January 21, 2023
Chelsea and Todd Boehly, you’ve done well so far in the transfer window but I still want Enzo Fernández please!!!
He’s that guy!!! pic.twitter.com/tkgoeKg1YW— Tolu (@CFCTolu) January 21, 2023
@ChelseaFC @todd_boehly please go for Enzo Fernandez
— Samuel Adesola (@Mr_Sam4sure) January 21, 2023
Todd Boehly please. This is statue outside Stamford Bridge worthy type of deal if you can make it still happen. pic.twitter.com/1UIt55vvgP
— Mod (@CFCMod_) January 21, 2023
Chelsea's January business
Chelsea came into the window with two main priorities - central midfield and right-back. However, there are yet to seriously address either issue with just days left of the January transfer window.
Instead, they have signed David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Benoit Badiashile, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, plus Joao Felix on loan. Santos is a central midfielder, but he's just 18 years old and has arrived from the second tier of Brazilian football so isn't expected to contribute right away.
Lyon's Malo Gusto has recently been targeted, as reported by L'Equipe, while Caicedo appears to be the first-choice midfielder following the failed pursuit of Fernandez. However, Boehly has been told to pay his release clause following his most recent performance for Benfica.
Chelsea have just over a week left of the January window to complete any more signings. Graham Potter's side are currently 10th in the Premier League after 20 games.
