Chelsea have reportedly enquired about a possible deadline-day deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer as the Blues search for possible alternatives to Benfica's Enzo Fernandez.
football.london understands that Chelsea have held intense talks with the Portuguese outfit and a bid in excess of the £105 million release clause in Fernandez's contract has been submitted.
However, the fee proposed would be spread out over instalments rather than being paid in full. The 22-year-old is eager to join and it is understood that Fernandez has informed Benfica that he wishes to move to West London.
READ MORE: The time 'Fernandez flight' lands as Chelsea face race to finish £105m transfer
Graham Potter and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy are thought to be keen on adding another midfield player to the ranks, with Jorginho destined to join London neighbours and Premier League leaders Arsenal.
One individual against departing is academy graduate Conor Gallagher, who may see his playing time increase as a result of Jorginho's exit. According to Sky Germany, Chelsea, along with Manchester United who are favourites to complete a deal, have been in direct contact with Bayern regarding Sabitzer's availability.
This is despite the player's agent Roger Wittmann previously telling Bild TV: "Marcel feels comfortable at Bayern and signed a five-year contract. Up until today, nobody from the club nor us has said otherwise. So these are just stories in the media."
Having signed for RB Leipzig in 2014, Sabitzer developed a reputation as one of the Bundesliga's premier midfielders, finishing the 2019/2020 campaign with 16 goals and 11 assists across all competitions. He joined the Bavarian giants for a reported transfer fee of €16 million (£14m) in 2021.
Though, with the British transfer window slamming shut at 11pm tonight, there is little time remaining for Chelsea to complete a deal with Bayern.
Supporters may also be concerned to learn that the German transfer window closed at 5pm (GMT) this evening. But that deadline only applies to incoming signings for Bundesliga clubs.
The 5pm restriction does not prevent clubs from negotiating deals with sides abroad while the buying club's transfer window remains open. To put it simply, the Blues will have until 11pm tonight and the end of the British window to confirm the signing of Sabitzer, despite the German window 'closing' earlier.
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