Chelsea are closing in on a deal for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile and have opened discussions with Benfica over Enzo Fernandez.
Graham Potter is set for an active first transfer window in charge of Chelsea and the Blues are nearing an agreement with Moanco for Badiashile, with the fee set to be around €35m for the centre-back.
The 21-year-old – who earned his first senior caps for France in September – has agreed personal terms with Chelsea and the deal is currently being finalised.
Having already agreed the transfer of Molde forward David Datro Fofana, Chelsea are also chasing Enzo Fernandez and have begun talks with Benfica over a potential deal.
The midfielder starred during Argentina’s World Cup success and was named as the tournament’s Best Young Player, with Europe’s top clubs competing for his signature.
Fabrizio Romano, writing in the Guardian, has revealed that Benfica want the 21-year-old’s €120m (£105m) release clause met in full, but Chelsea are hoping to negotiate a lower figure with the incentive of a sizeable fee included upfront.
Argentine outlet TyCSports are also reporting that Benfica have agreed to negotiate for a player who cost the club just £15m when signing from River Plate last summer.
Chelsea are keen to make an early move for Fernandez, rather than wait until the summer when competition could increase. Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid have all been credited with an interest.
