Enzo Fernandez has returned to Portugal for showdown talks with Benfica as he seeks to force through a move to Chelsea.
The midfielder failed to turn up to training last week after he made an unauthorised trip to Argentina for New Year's Eve.
But Fernandez was pictured arriving at the Benfica training ground in his car on Tuesday morning amid talks between Chelsea and Benfica over a £112million deal for him.
Chelsea have identified the 21-year-old as one of their top January transfer targets following his impressive displays for Argentina at the World Cup.
— A BOLA (@abolapt) January 3, 2023
Fernandez wants to quit Benfica and has broadly agreed personal terms with Chelsea.
But negotiations between Chelsea and Benfica could hinge on the structure of a deal.
Chelsea want to pay the transfer fee for Fernandez in three yearly instalments of £37.5m as they bid to stay in line with UEFA Financial Fair Play rules.
The Blues are among four Premier League clubs on a UEFA financial watch list after spending £273million in the summer.
Fernandez is expected to be punished by Benfica for his unauthorised return to Argentina and he believes he has played his last game for the Portuguese club.
Talks between Chelsea and Benfica are set to continue over the next 48 hours and Chelsea hope a deal can be struck.
