Benfica have apparently already got a contingency plan should Enzo Fernandez join Chelsea today.
According to Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg, Benfica have ‘lined up a replacement’ for Fernandez and are ‘trying to close a deal’ before the transfer deadline closes.
Whilst the replacement is unnamed, it is potentially big news in the saga that could go down to the very last second.
Chelsea have been pushing to get the Benfica midfielder signed ahead of the winter window’s closure in just a few hours.
Talks have continued between the Blues and the Portuguese side, yet nothing concrete has materialised just yet.
Todd Boehly and his team are willing to pay the player’s £106m release clause, but do so in instalments rather than an outright upfront cost.
This offer has seemingly not sat well with club president Rui Costa, who wants all the money at once.
However, the latest twist in the tail may well signal a change in attitude from Costa.
Should Benfica announce a new midfield signing, it will surely open the door Chelsea to rush in and snap up Fernandez.
They have already allowed Jorginho to join Arsenal for £12m, freeing up space in Graham Potter’s squad for their prime transfer target.
If all the components work accordingly, the Blues will get their man.
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