Chelsea are close to landing one of Manchester United’s top transfer targets as they continue their January spending spree.
Having signed David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashile and Mykhaylo Mudryk and loaned Joao Félix, the Blues hope to add Enzo Fernández from Benfica to the €178.5m worth of talent they have already acquired.
According to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, “Fernández… is still an option for Chelsea.
“Sources have indicated that talks will resume this week.”
Benfica insists that no player will leave in this window unless his termination clause is fully complied with, which in the case of Fernández is 120 million euros.
United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly a big fan of the Argentinian but is unable to bid in this window as the club have made no money available for transfers pending a sale or investment injection.
The Red Devils hoped the prohibitive release clause would mean Benfica would follow through on their wish and keep the attacking midfielder until the summer, at which point they could theoretically join the race.
But the money burning a hole in Todd Boehly’s pocket shows no signs of running out and Fernandez could well be heading to Stamford Bridge within the next seven days.
Steinberg says he is also planning moves for Brighton duo Alexis McAllister and Moises Caicedo, the latter also a United target.
Another potential United signing, Malo Gusto from Lyon, is also being pursued by Graham Potter as cover for the injured Reece James.
A fourth United target, Declan Rice, is also expected to be the subject of a summer offer from Chelsea.
Having pinched Mudryk right under Arsenal’s nose, it appears that Boehly is determined to sign as many players as any of their Premier League rivals are after. It remains to be seen how this will square with the rules of financial fair play and how it will keep an inflated team happy.
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