Chelsea close in on €127m January transfer of Enzo Fernandez as Benfica ‘accept payment structure’

Chelsea are on the verge of signing Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in a transfer worth €127 million, according to reports.

The 21-year-old is close to joining Graham Potter’s side this month after the club’s continued to hold talks over the New Year for Fernandez.

Personal terms were agreed last week and all that was needed for Chelsea to do was to agree a fee with the Portuguese club.

Benfica were holding out for the €120 million release clause and reluctant to let him leave mid-season, however the Argentine’s desire to depart for Stamford Bridge convinced them to soften their stance.

Chelsea had always been keen not to pay €120 million upfront and wishes to split the fee over a series of payments.

Fernandez was absent from training on Monday despite not receiving permission from Benfica as he flew back to his homeland in Argentina for New Year’s celebrations.

Now Gianluca Di Marzio reports that he is ‘very close’ to becoming a Chelsea player this month with the final details to be ironed out.

Chelsea will pay the fee in three instalments of around €40 million to Benfica which will seal a deal for the World Cup winner.

Fernandez will join David Datro Fofana and Benoit Badiashile whose move could be made official this week after he flew to England for his medical. Andrey Santos is also in London to finalise his January switch from Vasco da Gama.

When asked about Badiashile, head coach Potter said: “Until somebody tells me anybody has been signed it’d be unfair of me to comment. No updates, sorry.”

Fernandez will become Chelsea’s club-record signing, smashing the £97.5 million that they paid for Romelu Lukaku in 2021.