The negotiations between Chelsea and Benfica over Enzo Fernandez have collapsed, according to stunning reports.
Fernandez has been the subject of intense transfer speculation following his heroics for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.
The World Cup winner starred in Qatar and claimed the Young Player of the Tournament award.
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He's been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool and Manchester United thought to be keeping tabs on the 21-year-old.
Not to mention Chelsea, who appeared to be in pole position to snap up the talented midfielder.
But South American journalist CLMerlo has revealed that talks between Chelsea and Benfica have collapsed.
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"The negotiation for Enzo Fernández to go to Chelsea collapsed: Benfica gave up selling him outside the clause after several days of negotiation," he tweeted.
The Portuguese club want the English giants to pay the player's £106 million release clause up front.
The Blues had proposed a deal that would see them pay the fee in three installments to evade financial fair play restrictions.
The hefty price tag for Fernandez has raised eyebrows among some fans and critics, with Gary Neville questioning the fee.
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"Are Chelsea paying €127m for Enzo Fernandez? That’s one hell of a price," he tweeted. "A very good player but bloody hell!"
A fan replied to his post. "Didn’t see you concerned with the price Antony went for. Pogba etc. Alright when you lot do it but nobody else can spend."
Neville hit back, tweeting: "Agree with Anthony (he’s a lot to do to get to 95m price tag). Pogba had pedigree when he signed for United so not comparable."
Will Fernandez secure a move in January? Watch this space.
Topics: Chelsea, Football, Enzo Fernandez
Nasir Jabbar