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Watch: David Ornstein explains snag in Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea deal

David Ornstein has provided the latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez and he has also clarified their other targets for this window.

Fernandez is one of the most in-demand players in Europe right now after his triumphant World Cup campaign with Argentina. Several Premier League clubs remain interested, but it seems as if Chelsea are currently leading the race.

The 21-year-old has impressed during his first season with Benfica where he has scored one goal and got four assists so far this season. Ornstein has provided the latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of the player.

“Enzo Fernandez is the player that Chelsea are really prioritising at the moment,” explained Ornstein, speaking on The Athletic’s YouTube channel.

“However, they won’t do so at any cost, they have a valuation.

“We’re being told that they don’t want to go to the figures that are being banded around, which is essentially his release clause of €127million.

“They belive that is far above the market value on what’s a relatively small sample size of games – the World Cup and a handful of matches for Benfica.

“But they do really like him, they love him and he is a player they would like to sign on their conditions and they are not going to be held to ransom on that.

“There’s a lot of agendas at play in this market and that’s why a lot of the stories around him have come out publicly, it’s in the interest of people to get that figure as high as possible.

“If Chelsea can get it at the value that they want then I think they will do the deal now or in the summer. Or if they have to wait until the summer if they do something now or if they walk away completely then they will as far as we know.”

While Chelsea do remain keen on completing a deal for Fernandez, they are not putting all of their eggs into one basket. Graham Potter’s side are also considering other options.

Ornstein adds: “That’s because they have other options. The Jude Bellingham race is one they are in however, how far in we don’t know because Bellingham is likely to be a summer transfer.

“He will have his pick of the clubs, it will largely be down to his decision and then up to the club who he chooses to meet the price.

“You suspect that given his unique talent, the interested parties will all be prepared to go there whether it be Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea or anybody else.

Ornstein also clarifies that Chelsea also hold an interest in Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Alexis Mac Allister. Brighton are said to value Mac Allister at around £60milllion, but Chelsea would only be prepared to go to around £30-40million.

Chelsea currently sit 10th in the Premier League table and are in desperate need of rejuvenating their midfield. With N’Golo Kante and Jorginho out of contract in the summer, midfield is a priority position for them to improve.


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