Chelsea planning to reignite interest in World Cup winner

Chelsea have been one of the Premier League’s busiest clubs so far during the January transfer window, with six players having already signed. 

Striker David Datro Fofana was the first new signing through the door at Stamford Bridge, joining for around £8 million to provide competition for places up front.

Joao Felix, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke have also arrived to bolster Graham Potter’s options in attack, while midfielder Andrey Santos has also been recruited.

Centre-back Benoit Badiashile has also arrived and has started The Blues’ last two Premier League matches, impressing against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

With just over a week remaining of the current window, Chelsea’s spending doesn’t look to have stopped just yet.

According to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, The Blues are ready to renew their interest in Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Chelsea were heavily linked with a move for the midfielder earlier this month and it looked at one stage like a deal would be completed.

The talks between the two clubs came to no fruition, though, but Chelsea are now ready to make another move for the Argentina international.

Chelsea are set to try once again to sign Fernandez

Fernandez, 22, has been in superb form for Benfica this term and played a crucial role for his nation as they lifted the World Cup in Qatar.

The midfielder played in each of Argentina’s seven games, and was awarded the Young Player of the Tournament award for his efforts.

Fernandez is believed to have a release clause in his current contract that is set at £106 million, and his current employers are reluctant to let him leave without the fee being met.

Chelsea previously attempted to negotiate a lower price, but struggled and ultimately turned their attention elsewhere.

Now, though, fresh talks are set to take place, the report claims.

The player has reportedly told his current club that he wishes to join Chelsea, but Benfica are insistent on keeping hold of Fernandez until at least the end of the season.

The Blues’ need for a midfielder stems from the fact that both N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are set to be out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

With that in mind, Chelsea launched a £55 million bid for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo last week, but The Seagulls rejected the proposal.