Football News: Chelsea still optimistic on getting the Enzo Fernandez deal done this month

According to reports, Chelsea are still interested in signing midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.

Malo Gusto, the right-back, was just acquired by the Blues as their eighth acquisition of the transfer window. As terms of the agreement, he will spend the remainder of the campaign on loan at Lyon.

Chelsea, though, appears ready to carry on with their January transfers as they aim to bring in a midfielder by Tuesday's deadline. Chelsea and Benfica were in talks earlier in the transfer season about a possible transfer for Fernandez,

The one who just earned the Best Young Player title at the 2022 World Cup with champions Argentina. The Portuguese powerhouse insisted that the 22-year-old's €120million (£105.4 million) release clause is to be fully paid.

Thus, the Blues were unable to carry forward the deal as they expected the value to go down by some margin. Meanwhile, Chelsea have looked into alternatives like Amadou Onana of Everton and Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Brighton have rejected two offers from Chelsea's London rivals Arsenal for their midfielder Caicedo. While Onana is unwilling to leave the Toffees during the current transfer window.

Thus, the Blues are reportedly reviewing the Fernandez move again before the transfer window closes, according to Sky Sports News.

According to sources, the Blues have proposed loan and permanent deals for players as part of the potential transfer, but Benfica are reportedly hesitant to modify their statement.

The two teams are reportedly in talks about a deal, according to transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano, who also suggests that Chelsea would be willing to pay the release clause.

Chelsea may not be able to comply with the Premier League and UEFA financial fair play standards if they choose to offer the €120 million (£105.4 million) in full or in instalments.

Rui Costa, the president of Benfica, wants to keep Fernandez, but Chelsea are hoping to close a deal this month.

Fernandez has been a part of Benfica's recent games, including Thursday's 2-0 victory against Pacos Ferreira, even though it is thought that he is eager to move to Stamford Bridge.

Fernandez has made 29 appearances for Benfica since coming from River Plate last summer. In that time, he has scored four goals and recorded seven assists.

The Argentine's current deal expires in 2027, but Benfica wants to extend it since they anticipate interest from clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona in the coming summer.

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