Chelsea ‘open Enzo Fernandez transfer talks with Blues confident they will secure £105m deal for Benfica ace’

CHELSEA have reportedly ‘restarted’ transfer talks with Benfica over a potential deal for Enzo Fernandez.

Blues owner Todd Boehly has spent over £500m on 16 new players since last summer.

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Full-back Malo Gusto, 19, became the latest addition to Graham Potter’s squad this weekend after agreeing a deal that runs until 2030 following a £31m move from Lyon.

We reported earlier in the week how Boehly is ready to get his checkbook out again to try and secure midfielder Fernandez, 21.

An offer from Chelsea worth £112m – £6m more than his £105m release clause – was rejected this month as it was structured to be paid in three annual installments of £37.3m.

That led many to believe they had given up on the South American’s pursuit, at least until the summer.

But The Telegraph have now reported that the Stamford Bridge side have reopened negotiations with Benfica as they are determined to sign the Argentinian world champions before the 11pm deadline on January 31.

And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano repeated these claims when offering his own update on the situation.

He tweeted: “Chelsea are back in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernandez.

“They want the player at all costs – Chelsea would be willing to pay 120 million euros.”

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However, he added: “Benfica president Rui Costa still has no intention of accepting – but Chelsea will insist on finalizing the deal now.”

Benfica have already issued a statement on Fernandez who appears desperate to join Stamford Bridge, stating he would not grow old.

Fernandez only joined Benfica from River Plate last summer and is under contract until 2027.

He played the full game as they secured a 2-0 win at Pacos Ferreira on Thursday.