Report: There’s still a ‘major obstacle’ in the way of Chelsea signing Enzo Fernandez, deal may not happen

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Reports have claimed that Chelsea could still miss out on the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.

According to The Athletic, the Blues are still unwilling to pay the money that the Portuguese side are requesting to complete the deal.

Chelsea are reportedly keen to get this deal done in January, in order to beat off any interest from fellow elite sides that will certainly be keen on making the signing at the end of the season.

Their interest will have peaked after he enjoyed a sensational campaign at the World Cup in Qatar.

Despite not originally being a starter for Argentina, he quickly established himself as an essential member of the midfield of the eventual champions.

He was also rewarded for his personal efforts. Fernandez was named the young player of the tournament alongside teammate Lionel Messi picking up the Golden Ball award.

Obstacle in signing Fernandez

There had been growing confidence in reports that Chelsea were about to secure what is set to be their club-record signing.

However, The Athletic have claimed Benfica’s insistence on receiving the release clause from the Blues is putting a spanner in the works.

A lot of claims have suggested that the next few days will be important in whether the club can pull off the deal for one of the most promising midfielders in European football.

Whether he comes in or not, the Blues will need to address the midfield area in the next few transfer windows.

Jorginho and N’golo Kante both currently have contracts that are to expire at the end of the season.

While there have been recent signs that the Frenchman will extend his deal at Stamford Bridge, it is still expected that Jorginho will leave the club at the end of the campaign.

His importance to Chelsea will certainly require strengthening, and there aren’t many more promising figures in Europe than Fernandez.