Chelsea have had a breakthrough in their pursuit of Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, with David Ornstein and The Athletic reporting that the Argentinian now has permission to undergo a medical. The Blues have pursued Fernandez throughout January with the hope that a marquee signing like this one could give their season the boost it so desperately needs, and the deal has reached a crucial stage on deadline day.
Benfica Allow Enzo Fernandez To Undergo Medical
🚨 Sources in Portugal tell @TheAthleticFC there’s now heightened optimism agreement can be struck for Enzo Fernandez to join Chelsea. Benfica have granted permission to do medical in Portugal in case deal struck @TheAthleticFC #CFC #SLBenfica #DeadlineDay https://t.co/eoT7TtnwUb
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 31, 2023
Ornstein: ‘Heightened Optimism’ Around Enzo Fernandez Deal
The Athletic and David Ornstein reported this afternoon that there was greater optimism around Chelsea and Benfica striking an agreement for the transfer of Enzo Fernandez. Because of this, the Portuguese club will now allow the player to undergo a medical.
“According to sources in Portugal, who asked not to be named because of their proximity to the situation, there is now heightened optimism that an agreement can be reached between Chelsea and Benfica,” Ornstein reported.
“As a result, Benfica have agreed to let Fernandez undergo a medical in Portugal for the event of a deal going through.”
Payment Structure a Sticking Point
Chelsea have pursued Enzo Fernandez for most of the January transfer window after the 22-year-old had an impressive World Cup campaign with Argentina.
Initial talks were unsuccessful, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the club’s first offer of £75 million was far below Benfica’s asking price. And although the Blues are now prepared to meet the £105 million release clause in Fernandez’s contract, Matt Law and The Telegraph have reported that they want to split it over six payments.
Sky Sports News has reported that Benfica either want the money paid in one go or with fewer payments before sanctioning a transfer. However, Chelsea are reluctant to agree to that.
Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali Pushing for Enzo Fernandez
Despite the sticking point, Ben Jacobs from CBS Sports has reported that Chelsea’s owners, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, are not giving up in their pursuit of Enzo Fernandez.
“All I can add on Enzo Fernandez at this point is Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have been pushing really hard,” Jacobs tweeted. “They simply haven’t taken no for an answer, especially since Monday night.”
