Chelsea are intensifying efforts to sign Benfica's Enzo Fernández before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night. The London club, which has already spent over £450 million under new owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, is prepared to exceed £500 million by securing the Argentine midfielder. However, Benfica is holding out for the full £106 million release clause, and manager Roger Schmidt has criticised Chelsea's tactics.
Fernández, who was named best young player at the World Cup, is reportedly keen on a move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea had an earlier bid rejected but resumed talks over the weekend. They are exploring a compromise, potentially offering a package worth £106 million including a player in exchange. Benfica, meanwhile, may offer Fernández an improved contract to stay.
The Blues have already strengthened their squad with permanent signings including Andrey Santos, Benoît Badiashile, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke, plus the loan of João Félix. Their latest acquisition is right-back Malo Gusto from Lyon for £31 million, who will compete with Reece James and has been loaned back to Lyon for the season.
Head coach Graham Potter is mindful of squad size and may offload players before the deadline. Roma are interested in Hakim Ziyech but need to sell Nicolò Zaniolo first. In other transfer news, Leicester City have signed Brazilian winger Tetê from Shakhtar Donetsk until the end of the season, subject to international clearance. Tetê, who has been on loan at Lyon, becomes Leicester's second January signing.
