Chelsea have been linked with a host of players already during January, but they have now reportedly turned their attention to Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes and are rivalling London neighbours West Ham.
According to Sky Sports, the Blues have submitted an offer for the 20-year-old talent.
It is understood that Chelsea have launched an offer of an 18-month loan with an obligation to buy for £55million if he plays at least 50 per cent of games during the loan spell.
The report explains that Premier League rivals West Ham have also offered an 18-month loan for Fernandes with a £33million obligation to buy, but the percentage of games to trigger that is less.
The decision will be left up to the Portuguese top-flight club and also the player.
Fernandes has struggled this season at Benfica due to injuries and form, but he’s regarded as a major talent that could have a big future.
The Portugal Under-21 international has only been directly involved in one goal in 13 appearances this season, but during the whole of the last campaign he managed three goals and six assists.
He’s a versatile midfielder that is capable of playing on either flank or in more central position, as he tries to dictate play and be a creative threat.
Fernandes is a skilful and quick player that could suit the Premier League, but it would be a mammoth step up from the Liga Nos.
It also seems strange that Frank Lampard’s squad is stacked with quality in the centre of the park right now and it’s other areas of the pitch that need addressing more urgently.
Fernandes would surely not be able get in ahead of the likes of Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
But the Blues may see him as a long-term project and it will be intriguing to see how Benfica respond to Chelsea’s supposed offer.
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