Chelsea making progress in talks over move for World Cup winner

With the January transfer window closing on Tuesday, clubs have very little time to add new signings before the second half of the season. 

A number of big money deals have already been completed this month, with Chelsea one of the Premier League’s busiest clubs.

Six players have joined The Blues since the start of January, although it now appears that those in charge of the club are working on a deal to sign a seventh.

As per David Ornstein, Chelsea have made progress in talks with Benfica over a potential deal for Enzo Fernandez.

The Premier League side were heavily linked with a move for the midfielder earlier this month, before negotiations came to a stop after the Portuguese side rejected an offer believed to be worth around £80 million.

Now, it is claimed that Chelsea have ramped up their interest in the 21-year-old, who impressed for Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar.

The Benfica star was named Young Player of the Tournament following the final, marking the latest achievement on his astronomic rise.

Chelsea are working on a late deal to sign Fernandez

Having joined Benfica from River Plate last summer, Fernandez has been in sensational form this season.

The midfielder has particularly impressed in the Champions League, helping the Portuguese side to progress from a group that included both Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.

In total, the midfielder has made 29 appearances across all competitions so far this season, scoring four goals and providing seven assists.

Chelsea are said to be keen on signing Fernandez this month, in a bid to avoid being drawn into a bidding war when the summer window opens.

Despite rumours claiming that Chelsea were to offer a player-plus-cash deal, Ornstein reports that no other players are currently involved in negotiations.

He does, however, suggest that Chelsea would be willing to pay a significant fee for the player if Benfica agree to certain payment terms, which would likely involve the fee being paid in instalments.

Fernandez is believed to have a release clause of more than £100 million in his current contract, which Chelsea were reluctant to pay during earlier negotiations.