ENZO FERNANDEZ has reportedly agreed to join Chelsea with the Blues opening direct transfer talks with Benfica.
The midfielder, 21, shone for Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar, winning Young Player of the Tournament after they defeated France in the final on penalties earlier this month.
Chelsea have been leading the chase for his services with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United also interested.
Fernandez has a contract until 2027, with Benfica playing hardball to keep him.
The Portuguese club were demanding his full release fee and reported earlier this week that Chelsea had appeared to almost match it by lodging a £105million bid.
Now a fresh report has stated that Fernandez has agreed to the move to Stamford Bridge as the Blues continue to thrash out terms with Benfica.
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Journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Chelsea are now in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernandez.
“Chelsea want to offer huge fee instead of paying release clause in one solution #CFC Benfica always asked full €120m (£106m) clause.
“Understand Enzo already said yes to Chelsea. #LFC or #MUFC made no bid, as of now.”
And even Benfica’s manager Roger Schmidt seems to have accepted that Fernandez will be on the move.
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He was asked about whether the player will be staying ahead of today’s game with Braga, and he replied: “I can’t reveal those conversations.
“When I talk to the players, these are things I keep to myself. What I can say is what I’ve already said. We all know what football is like.
“These young people have opportunities, and it’s not just about Enzo.
“If they have opportunities, they have to make decisions, and I respect them.
“I can advise them, but they only have one career. If I can convince them or influence them in a certain way, I try to do it, but I accept their decisions.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
