Liverpool reach an agreement with World Cup star also on Chelsea’s radar

Transfer News: Liverpool reach an agreement with Argentinian star Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea have been handed a blow in their pursuit of talented Argentinian midfielder Enzo Fernandez with Premier League rivals supposedly having agreed on a pre-contract agreement for the Benfica star, according to Portuguese outlet Record and Spanish publication Diario AS (h/t Football. London).

However, Mirror have claimed that both reports are claiming the transfer rumour to be from the other nation with neither publication actually taking credit for the piece. This should offer the Blues hope that they could yet wade in and play spoilsport.

Enzo has been one of the brightest prospects to come out of this World Cup. His performances for Argentina have meant that he has successfully kept out the much more established Leanardo Parades from the starting XI and this has not gone unnoticed.

It’s crazy to think that Enzo moved to Europe only in the past summer, joining Portuguese club Benfica from River Plate. He is already being linked with a top move and it is only a matter of time before one of the top European clubs comes calling.

The 21-year-old who predominantly plays as a central midfielder for Benfica has been playing in a deeper holding midfield role for his country and he looks largely untroubled there. Enzo is able to control the game very well and has a very calm demeanour about him.

Enzo is capable of contributing with an assist here and there and no one will forget the insane goal he scored against Mexico in Qatar. Even otherwise, the Argentinian has a very mean long shot and keeps unleashing them now and then to remind the opponents about his ability.

It is not surprising that the Benfica man has interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, two clubs who are desperate for midfield reinforcements – the former more than the latter. However, the Blues also have some old legs that they have to shift out in that area.

Enzo is a player who can define the midfield for at least a generation to come. Even if he does not come cheap, it would be wise to invest in him right now. The Argentinian seems to have a really high ceiling and his price is only likely to increase.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea lead the race to sign Josko Gvardiol following submission of an offer
• William Gallas urges Chelsea to sign Cristiano Ronaldo
• Chelsea sent scouts to watch Argentine fullback Nahuel Molina

Romano recently claimed that Enzo has a €120million release clause in his Benfica contract. The price seems outlandish and it remains to be seen if Chelsea or Liverpool choose to trigger that clause or try to negotiate with the Portuguese club for a better deal.