It is no secret that Arsenal are in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk with a view to signing Mykhaylo Mudryk and the league leaders, held at home by Newcastle on Tuesday, have submitted a low-ball offer of £53m which is almost certain to be rejected by the Ukrainian club. While the Emirates Stadium remains the most likely destination for the 21-year-old, Chelsea are waiting in the wings, ready to hijack the deal should negotiations collapse.
Chelsea’s main target in the current window remains Enzo Fernández and, contrary to rumours suggesting otherwise, the Argentinian midfielder did report back for duty with Benfica after his fortnight of celebrations in the wake of Argentina’s World Cup win. According to sleep-deprived Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder has told Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt he wants to go to Chelsea and negotiations between the two clubs are continuing. His release clause is just north of £105m and a deal could be rubber-stamped in the next 48 hours if the two clubs can reach an agreement on how best it should be paid. Benfica want the money in one lump sum, while Chelsea would rather stump up in a series of instalments.
