Report: Chelsea now offer three players to Benfica in swap deal for Enzo Fernandez

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Chelsea have now reportedly made the offer of three players plus cash in their pursuit for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez.

According to Record, the Blues have tried and failed with a staggering player-plus-cash transfer for the 21-year-old midfielder.

It is understood Chelsea made an offer of €90million (£79.5million) plus Hakim Ziyech for Fernandez. Also, the proposed deal included Benfica taking David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos on loan.

However, the report explains the Portuguese giants are standing firm over demanding the €120m (£106million) release clause is paid in full.

Chelsea offer three players for Enzo Fernandez

It certainly sounds like Graham Potter’s side are getting creative in their attempts to bring Fernandez to west London.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed on YouTube that Chelsea’s negotiations for the Benfica midfielder are over for the time being, with attention switching to Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.

It’s quite a statement from Benfica to reject £79.5million, Ziyech and two players on loan for the sake of Fernandez.

The Argentina international has been heavily linked with Chelsea in the past week or so, which is why a lot of Blues supporters will be gutted if this deal falls through.

He would be a huge upgrade in the centre of the park for the Blues, so there’s a strong argument to be made that the club should just cave in and meet Benfica’s demands.

It’s interesting to hear Chelsea are prepared to send out both Fofana and Santos on loan this month.

Fofana, 20, joined the Blues at the start of the month from Molde.

It could be worth integrating the young striker into the squad given Armando Broja’s injury, but perhaps the club has other ideas.

Elsewhere, 18-year-old Santos has still not officially been confirmed as a Chelsea player. Journalist Ben Jacobs reports the deal is all-but done and will be announced soon.

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