‘Only suitor negotiating’: Chelsea now actively trying to sign £105m player, not Liverpool – journalist

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Chelsea are the only side actively negotiating with Benfica over Liverpool target Enzo Fernandez, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.

Taking to the Born and Red podcast on YouTube, the reporter shared the latest news surrounding the 21-year-old, who has been strongly linked with a move to Merseyside.

“Well, I certainly wouldn’t say that Chelsea are nailed on to sign Enzo Fernandez,” Jacobs said.

“But I would also add that they’re the only suitors negotiating with Benfica, who had not planned for any of this, because Enzo Fernandez [has] only played 24 games for them since joining from River Plate.

“Benfica still felt like the release clause would offer some protection from a mid-season exit, so naturally there is interest. But a lot of the suitors that have been mentioned, Liverpool included, and Real Madrid as well, were looking at Enzo Fernandez before the World Cup.

“So, the first thing I’m going to say about Enzo Fernandez: only Chelsea have ever come to the table and engaged with Benfica – Liverpool never placed a bid.

“I know there’s some reports out there that say to the contrary, but my Liverpool sources have categorically stated that they never went in for Enzo Fernandez because they know the valuation is crazy.”

Chelsea are negotiating for Enzo – Liverpool aren’t

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are willing to offer a huge fee to land the World Cup winner. However, Benfica insist that his £105m release clause must be met for a transfer to take place.

Furthermore, it is also believed that the 21-year-old has agreed to join the Blues ahead of an agreement.

This is a big U-turn from a few weeks back, when Liverpool appeared to be the favourites to sign Fernandez – whether that be in January or in the summer.

With Jurgen Klopp’s desperate need to add midfield players to his squad, it now seems he will have to look elsewhere, with the Benfica man closing in on a move to west London.

Whilst the Reds are still hoping to bring Jude Bellingham to Anfield at the end of the season, the likes of Moises Caicedo and Sofyan Amrabat have been touted for the winter window.

Therefore, although there is the potential to sign an additional midfielder this month, news of Fernandez going to Chelsea will come as a major blow to Liverpool.