Todd Boehly has already started planning a future without Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea struggle to reach an agreement with Benfica. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month as Graham Potter looks to bolster his midfield.
football.london understands that the Blues have held extensive talks with the Portuguese giants, with Fernandez identified as the club's primary target. It's said that Chelsea submitted a bid in excess of the £105million release clause in his contract.
But, the west Londoners have proposed that the fee would be spread out over instalments rather than being paid in full — due to the amortisation of transfers Chelsea are more able to meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations while spending big. Fernandez is keen to join and it's understood that he's informed Benfica he wants to leave.
READ MORE: Chelsea tipped to complete three deadline day transfers including Enzo Fernandez
Despite time running out, football.london understands there is confidence at Cobham that an agreement will be reached. But, in the event that Chelsea fail in their pursuit of the Argentina international this month, the club are said to have paperwork lined up to hand Graham Potter an alternative.
According to UOL, Chelsea are looking to get Andrey Santos a work permit as soon as possible amid plans to integrate the midfielder into the first-team. The 18-year-old, who joined the Blues from Vasco in the summer for around £20.2million, has impressed for Brazil Under-20 this month in the South American Championship, scoring three goals in three games.
But, the report states that securing a work permit could prove to be an issue. A player needs to achieve a certain number of points to qualify for a work permit in the UK.
Chelsea will need to ask for an exception if Santos does not automatically qualify for a permit. The box-to-box midfielder is the captain of the Brazil Under-20 side but he's only featured 38 times as a professional for Vasco.
Helping Santos get a work permit appears to be irrespective of whether the Blues manager to sign Fernandez. But, needless to say, he could be a great addition to Graham Potter's squad.
Earlier this month, the wonderkid revealed his delight at joining Chelsea. He told the club's official website: "It's a very big opportunity for me.
"This is a big club playing in big competitions like the Premier League so I am very excited. The players here are so good and I am very happy to be here."
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