Chelsea have proposed a new offer for Enzo Fernandez that includes THREE players going in the other direction, according to reports in Portugal.
The Blues have been tracking Fernandez since his heroics at the World Cup and are keen on snapping him up this month.
But reports emerged claiming that negotiations between Chelsea and Benfica had collapsed. The Premier League club wanted to pay the player's £106 million release clause in three installments to evade financial fair play restrictions.
Advert
The Portuguese club, on the other hand, pushed for the huge release clause to be paid up front.
According to Record, Chelsea have a new offer on the table and includes a transfer fee of €90 million plus Hakim Ziyech on a permanent as well as David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos on loan.
Ziyech starred as Morocco made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup. However, he's continued to play second fiddle since returning to Stamford Bridge, most recently making a substitute appearance against Nottingham Forest.
Advert
As for Fofana, he only signed for Chelsea in the January window, but could be on the verge of securing a loan move away from the club. Santos, who has yet to complete his move to Chelsea from Vasco da Gama, could also be used in an effort to sign Fernandez.
Chelsea are hoping to beat Liverpool and Manchester United to the signing of the World Cup winner.
He performed wonders in Qatar, winning the Young Player of the Tournament award.
Advert
But Gary Neville has questioned the midfielder's hefty price tag, calling it 'one hell of a price' on social media.
"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."
Advert
Will Chelsea bring in Fernandez before the transfer window slams shut? Watch this space.
Topics: Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea, Football
Nasir Jabbar