Premier League Transfer Talk: Enzo Fernandez close to Chelsea move
By Vishal Singh
The winter transfer window is officially open, with the Premier League big boys looking to bring in a player or two in January to alter the fate of their campaign.
Amongst the traditional Top Six clubs, Liverpool and Chelsea have endured the worst form over the first half of the season. As such, it’s no surprise to see the two clubs showing more urgency to reinforce than their counterparts.
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Cody Gakpo, while Chelsea have also formally added Datro Fofana to their ranks. On the other hand, Antonio Conte continues to demand more backing from Tottenham Hotspur and Pep Guardiola has insisted he’s happy with his options at the Etihad. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Manchester United hierarchies are showing reluctance to spend big during the middle of the season.
Given this context, let’s take a look at the latest transfer news and rumors from around the world.
Chelsea closing in on Enzo Fernandez
The World Cup winner is very close to becoming a new Chelsea player, as per Gianluca Di Marzio. It is understood the talks between Chelsea and Benfica are at an advanced stage over a €127m deal. The fee will be paid in three installments of around €40m each.
Fernandez, who will become the most expensive Premier League signing of all time, has the skillset to add creativity and steel to Chelsea’s midfield. But considering the recent form of Graham Potter’s men — 2 wins in 7 matches — further signings may be needed to close the gap between themselves and the top four.
New Arsenal bid for Mudryk
Arsenal have extended their lead at the top of the table with back-to-back wins after Christmas. However, it’s not going to be easy to remain in pole position to win the title with Erling Haaland-led City chasing them down.
A good transfer window at the Emirates can have a lot of say in the title race, especially following Gabriel Jesus’ injury. Fortunately for Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal board are working to find a new attacking solution despite seeing their initial bid for Mykhaylo Mudryk rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk.
As per CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs, the North London outfit have made a second bid for the winger, who has already agreed personal terms. The total package offered is believed to be under €70m. Shakhtar, who want around €55m upfront, are yet to respond. The structure of Arsenal’s offer will play a big part in influencing the outcome of the talks.
Manchester United exploring Felix’s alternatives
The Red Devils couldn’t get into a bidding war with Liverpool for Gakpo due to economic uncertainties at Old Trafford amid the Glazers’ attempts to sell the club. And for the same reason, they might now miss out on another target.
Joao Felix has been made available by Atletico de Madrid for a loan for the rest of the season. But the Spanish outfit’s demands of a loan fee of £13.3m, in addition to the full coverage of his wages, has made United back away and look at alternatives, The Telegraph reports.
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United remain interested in Felix, but unless all concerned parties make substantial economic sacrifices, the transfer is unlikely to go through. Ten Hag’s side have also been linked to Memphis Depay, Chrisitan Pulisic and Marcus Thuram among others.