Chelsea prepared to pay €120m for Enzo Fernandez as Blues engage in talks once again

Chelsea are back in “direct talks” with Benfica over the transfer of midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that the Blues have returned to the chase they left off in early January. Back then we didn’t come close to what the Portuguese side wanted, despite the World Cup winner’s desire to join us.

But now, with other targets secured and our work cut out for us, it seems it’s time for a second push.

🚨 Chelsea are back in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernández. They want the player at all costs — Chelsea would be prepared to pay €120m fee. 🔵🇦🇷 #CFC

Benfica president Rui Costa has still no intention to accept — but Chelsea will insist to get the deal done now. pic.twitter.com/CFhiVsv9no

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2023

The key detail here – and what makes this different to the other whispers we’ve heard in the last few weeks – is that Chelsea are now willing to pay the €120m of Fernandez’s release clause.

Clearly they aren’t willing to pay it all at one – otherwise Benfica would have no way to say no – but it will now be a question of whether we can offer a structure that the Portuguese side (and our accountants) are happy with.