Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has told Blues chairman Todd Boehly which midfielder he would like the club to sign, in a move which would see Manchester United lose out on a £70million-rated star.
Fernandez was a prime target for Chelsea in the build up to the January transfer window. This was largely down to his top performances for Argentina at the World Cup, during which he played in all seven games and helped Lionel Scaloni’s side win the coveted trophy.
Talks between Chelsea and Benfica stalled at one point during the winter window as the two sides did not agree over his potential price. Benfica said Fernandez would only leave for his full £107m release clause, but Chelsea did not want to pay this price.
In the end, Chelsea gave in and paid Benfica that huge sum to make Fernandez the most expensive player in Premier League history.
He has gone on to make nine appearances under Graham Potter. The 22-year-old is still getting used to life in England but certainly has the attributes to become one of the Prem’s best midfielders.
Despite spending so much money on Fernandez, Chelsea could probably still do with improving their midfield ranks further in the summer.
Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante have all been linked with moves to other clubs.
According to football.london, Fernandez has decided on which midfielder he would like to play alongside next season and has made this wish known to Boehly.
Enzo Fernandes tells Chelsea to pursue Brighton man
The man in question is Brighton ace Alexis Mac Allister, who also played a crucial role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph last year.
Mac Allister is on Erik ten Hag’s radar at Man Utd. But Fernandez wants to see his compatriot move to Stamford Bridge instead.
Brighton, as always, will be tough negotiators. They do not want to lose Mac Allister just yet and have therefore slapped a £70m price tag on his head.
This would put off most clubs, but Boehly has shown he is willing to pay big money to make the Chelsea squad one of the best in Europe. Therefore, there is a good chance Chelsea will end up matching that £70m valuation once the transfer window reopens.
Mac Allister would likely jump at the chance to join Potter’s side. Last month, his father Carlos admitted there will be ‘possibilities’ for his son to achieve a big transfer at the end of the season.
Due to Mac Allister’s strong affection for Brighton, it is unlikely he will hand in a transfer request. But should Chelsea agree to pay £70m for him, then Brighton will be left powerless and will simply have to let him take that next step in his career.
Fernandez and Mac Allister could form a brilliant midfield partnership at Chelsea. Fernandez’s main job would be to dictate the play from deep and provide protection for the defence.
Mac Allister, meanwhile, would be given licence to get forward and help the attackers in the final third.
Another factor to consider is Potter’s existing relationship with the 24-year-old. They worked together at Brighton, and Potter played a big role in helping the playmaker to become so influential.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are continuing their recruitment drive by going after a Juventus winger, according to a report.
