Chelsea will be paying “one hell of a price” for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez if the deal goes through, according to Gary Neville, as a journalist claims a transfer is “edging closer”.
The Blues are looking to bring a midfielder to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window with Fernandez emerged as their top target, despite his huge price tag.
It has been reported that Chelsea have lodged a €127m (£112m) bid for the Argentina international with the Blues hoping to pay the sum in three instalments of £37.3m over three years.
Fernandez won Young Player of the Tournament at the World Cup over the winter and that has attracted interest from numerous top clubs.
However, it seems most have been put off by his enormous price tag with Fernandez only playing 25 matches in European competitions after joining Benfica in the summer from River Plate.
And former Manchester United defender Neville reacted on Twitter, he wrote: “Are Chelsea paying €127m for Enzo Fernandez? That’s one hell of a price. A very good player but bloody hell!”
Replying to a fan’s tweet, Neville added: “Agree with Anthony (he’s a lot to do to get to €95m price tag). [Paul] Pogba had pedigree when he signed for United so not comparable.”
CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs claims that Fernandez has now returned to Benfica and warned about his conduct after missing training.
It is clear that Fernandez wants the move to happen in January and now Jacobs has revealed that the deal is “edging closer” despite nothing being “100 per cent agreed”.
Jacobs wrote on Twitter: “Advanced talks continue between Chelsea and Benfica for Enzo Fernandez. Still told nothing 100 per cent agreed as of Monday evening. Chelsea insisting on preferable payment terms and awaiting Benfica feedback. Very important at this price Chelsea get beneficial payment terms.
“The fee can’t be written off as ‘youth development’ under FFP. Any transfer outlay (to club or agent) must be declared.
“The expectation remains Chelsea will know where they stand in the next 48 hours. Fernandez is now back at Benfica after missing training and was warned about his conduct. He wants the Chelsea move.
“A deal is edging closer, and Chelsea have been encouraged ever since Benfica engaged. But close is not the same as done at this point. All parties are still in talks, including today.”
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