Chelsea confident of signing record deal with Argentine World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez ‘as early as next week’

Chelsea are confident of securing a deal for Argentina international and World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez as early as next week.

According to the journalist fabrice romanoNegotiations between Chelsea and Fernandez’s side Benfica are at an advanced stage, with the Blues awaiting a final decision from the Portuguese side.

Talks are set to resume on New Year’s Day and are expected to continue throughout the week, with Chelsea chiefs confident of completing a deal worth £105million.

Fernandez has been in blistering form for club and country in what has been a whirlwind for the 21-year-old since arriving in Europe last summer.

Benfica paid around £9m for the River Plate midfield sensation who immediately hit the ground running in Portugal.

He played a pivotal role in Benfica’s push to the Champions League knockout stages, as they topped a group containing Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

His performances earned him a place in Lionel Scaloni’s World Cup squad despite having represented his country only three times before.

Fernandez appeared in every game in Qatar and played all 120 minutes in the dramatic final against France.

Former club River Plate are set to become huge beneficiaries should Chelsea complete the deal.

The Argentinian giants inserted a 25% sell clause in the deal which brought Fernandez to Lisbon this summer as Benfica only acquired 75% of the player’s rights.

A swoop for the young wonderkid would signal Chelsea’s intention to regenerate their aging squad with young talent.

Following the summer signing of Wesley Fofana, the arrival of Christopher Nkunku next summer and a reported deal for 21-year-old Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, Fernandez could be the latest addition to the club’s new breed.

Boss Graham Potter is in the middle of his first transfer window at the club and it looks like owner Todd Boehly is ready to support his man with the finances needed to help the club move up the ladder.

Chelsea currently sit in ninth place having amassed just 24 points in 15 Premier League games played.

The Blues face an intriguing battle in their Champions League Round of 16 next month when they take on Borussia Dortmund.