Enzo Fernandez 'says yes' to Chelsea transfer as Blues open £105m talks with Benfica

Chelsea have reportedly opened direct talks with Benfica over Enzo Fernandez, with the player himself 'already saying yes' to the transfer. The Argentina midfielder has been linked with a host of clubs following his performances at the World Cup and the Blues appear to be in pole position for his services.

Fernandez is currently one of the hottest properties in world football after winning the Young Player of the Tournament award at the World Cup in Qatar. Liverpool and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the player, but it looks like Chelsea have stolen a march on their rivals.

It's according to the football transfer guru who reports that the Blues are now in 'direct talks' for the midfielder with Benfica. The Londoners are hoping to avoid shelling out his £105million release clause in one sitting. They still have to pay a huge sum, but want to pay the fees over a longer period.

Fernandez himself seems keen on a move, having already accepted the offer at Stamford Bridge according to Romano. Liverpool and United are yet to bid, so the decision could now come down to whether or not the two clubs can reach an agreement.

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Earlier on Friday, it was reported, again by Romano, that Fernandez had been pushing for an exit from Benfica in favor of a move to the Premier League. This now seems closer to coming to fruition with the latest developments.

The 21-year-old excels in the midfield position and could be a long-term replacement for Jorginho given his quality on the ball. He has made 21 appearances for Benfica in all competitions this year, quickly becoming a key player following his summer arrival from River Plate.

Benfica are understandably reluctant to lose the player, who made a public statement on Thursday that he would stay in Portugal until at least the end of the season after club president Rui Costa reportedly said the Fernandez's wishes would be respected if he wanted to leave.

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It read: "SL Benfica clarifies that at no time has Club President Rui Costa uttered the words which are being broadcast in Italy by DAZN.

"Sport Lisboa e Benfica reiterates its intention to count on the player Enzo Fernandez until the end of the season."

With discussions starting over the midfielder's future, it looks like their actions in public are very different to those in private. Whether or not Chelsea can complete the deal remains to be seen, but the latest development will no doubt create excitement among the fanbase.