Chelsea could build the Premier League’s best midfield with two signings in Graham Potter’s first summer transfer window as head coach. The Blues have reportedly entered the race for Benfica star Enzo Fernandez on top of withstanding interest in another highly-rated target, potentially eyeing a double swoop worth over £205million.
Potter is expected to receive backing from Chelsea owner Todd Boehly as he begins his rebuild after replacing Thomas Tuchel at the helm earlier this year. One of the major dilemmas he could face at the end of the season is replacing Jorginho and N’Golo Kante.
Both are 31, and out of contract in July, and with Kante suffering increasingly frustrating injury woes, Potter may opt to refresh his midfield with younger faces. And Chelsea could be lining up a move for one of Europe’s most exciting names in the position, Fernandez.
The 21-year-old’s stock has undergone a meteoric rise since joining Benfica from River Plate in the summer, further boosted by being named the Young Player of the Tournament at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. And, according to Record, the Blues are among the clubs interested in snapping him up in 2023.
JUST IN: Sky Sports urged to take Jamie Carragher off air after coughing fit
Benfica are set to rake in substantial profit from Fernandez after splashing just under £16m to acquire his signature earlier this year. Reports suggest the Portuguese giants are unwilling to part ways with the Argentine sensation for less than his release clause, thought to be worth £105m.
But Chelsea could make a huge statement at the start of Potter’s tenure by securing his services, regardless of the success of their impending pursuit of Declan Rice. The West Ham United captain looks sure to finally make his big-money switch at the end of the season, and Stamford Bridge has been deemed his most likely destination.
READ MORE: Lionesses’ Mary Earps hailed for ‘brilliant’ Sky Sports TV debut
Despite Rice nearing the end of his West Ham contract, the club are still demanding a hefty £100m fee for their most prized asset. It means any audacious double swoop for the 23-year-old and Fernandez would require more than £200m.
Splashing such a sum on just two players at the start of a rebuild is unlikely, and it will likely have to be one or the other, but either boast the ability to propel the Blues to the next level. Beating the likely heavyweight competition in the frame would confirm that the club means business under its new boss.
Want the latest football news? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
