Chelsea's hunt for a new central midfielder is expected to return to the forefront of Todd Boehly’s list this week. Despite signing six players this month, the Blues have failed to add reinforcements to a position that many feel is a priority.
Following Noni Madueke's arrival late last week, the quest for a new midfielder at Stamford Bridge is set to be prioritised between now and next Tuesday’s deadline. The Blues recently saw their opening bid of £55million for Brighton's Moises Caicedo rejected and were reportedly lining-up an improved offer close to the Seagulls' £75m valuation.
One player that had seemed to be on the verge of moving to west London was Benfica's World Cup star Enzo Fernandez. The midfielder wanted the move to the Premier League amid strong interest from Chelsea, but his £106m release clause proved to be a major stumbling block.
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Interest in Fernandez had seemed to cool down and after skipping training and missing the 1-0 home win over Portimonense earlier this month, the 22-year-old scored in the Taca De Portugal win over Varzim and provided two exquisite assists in the weekend's 3-0 victory over Santa Clara.
However, with Boehly's stance on Caicedo reportedly uncertain, reports from Portuguese outlet Record have claimed Chelsea are preparing a new raid for the Benfica man before the end of the January window. However, like earlier this month, Benfica are not likely to budge on their stance on the midfielder meaning an additional £106m will have to be spent.
The Portuguese giants have maintained throughout the window that only the release clause in Fernandez's contract, that they inserted in the summer following his move from River Plate, would have to be activated for a transfer to occur. Luckily for Benfica, their deadline in Portugal closes two days after the Premier League, meaning they have extended time to recruit a replacement for Fernandez should a move go through.
With just over a week remaining until the January transfer window slams shut in England, the next few days could have a serious impact on where Chelsea finish this season and their preparations for the summer.
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