Chelsea are continuing their efforts to complete the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica. The Argentine midfielder has been the Blues' No. 1 target throughout the January transfer window and have taken positive steps in their pursuit in recent days.
Todd Boehly is looking to seal a £105million deal for the 22-year-old before this evening's 11pm deadline after failing to secure his services earlier in the window. Reports over the past days have claimed Fernandez has reiteated his desire to seal a move to Stamford Bridge and has been omitted from Benfica's squad for tonight's Liga NOS game at Arouca.
However, no agreement is yet to be sealed between the two clubs, with the Portuguese side desperate to keep hold of him. As was their stance earlier this month, Benfica will only sanction the deal if Chelsea activate the midfielder's £105million release clause.
READ MORE: Chelsea star pushing for move away as Enzo Fernandez talks continue over blockbuster transfer
Now, as the clock continues to tick, a report from Portuguese outlet RTP has claimed that Fernandez will now remain at Benfica following Chelsea's failure to 'satisfy the financial claims' demanded by Rui Costa. The report claims that Benfica have demanded the payment of £105million in one instalment but the Premier League side have persisted with their preference of paying in instalments.
Losing out on Fernandez would hand Graham Potter and Boehly a major blow in their ambitions of bolstering the midfield area in west London. It could also leave Chelsea short in midfield as Jorginho edges closer to completing his £12m move to Arsenal.
football.london understands that the Gunners have agreed a deal with the Italian and will pay £10m up front followed by a further £2m in add-ons. The Italian's current deal at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer and talk of a new deal had gone quiet in the previous months, opening the door for Mikel Arteta's side to swoop in this winter.
However, despite reports that Jorginho's imminent exit is independent of Fernandez's arrival, some Chelsea fans have urged the club to reconsider allowing the 31-year-old to leave before securing Benfica's starlet. Here's what some of them have said...
@PhoneixOlaCaid: We ought to be sure about Enzo first before letting Jorghino leave
@18jc2__: I’ll only be bothered about us selling Jorginho if we don’t get Enzo today. I believe Jorginho wouldn’t have renewed anyways and he would’ve left for free in six months
@Jeto345: Enzo isn't happening and we've let Jorginho go. This window is an instant 3/10
@Lampard77193034: We sold Jorginho and Enzo deal is not looking promising... What a pathetic decision to sell Jorginho right now....
@NiroW1993: Did we seriously just sell Jorginho without replacing him?
@CFC20212CL: Jorginho gone. Enzo not happening. Brighton won’t sell Caicedo. All I can see is a panic loan incoming
@Sean_CFC8: Why are we letting Jorginho go if we see not getting Enzo?
@CFCArchy: We've let Jorginho go now if we don't sign Enzo or any midfielder at all we're in deep deep trouble
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