Chelsea are counting on Enzo Fernandez being a success and bringing the team together, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.
The Blues are thought to be closing in on the signing of the Benfica midfielder, and Jones says co-owner Todd Boehly and the other higher-ups at Stamford Bridge expect him to be the gel in the side once he arrives.
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Chelsea transfer news - Enzo Fernandez
Jones recently informed GMS that he expected Chelsea to make significant progress in their bid to land Fernandez by the end of the weekend.
Since then, the reliable Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that the west London club are now set to sign the 21-year-old.
According to the Sky Sport reporter, Chelsea will pay Benfica €127m (around £112m) for Fernandez.
It is a lot of money, but midfield has been a problem area for Graham Potter this season, with N'Golo Kante currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
What has Dean Jones said about Enzo Fernandez and Chelsea?
Jones has described Chelsea's move for Fernandez as a "big play" and says the club have high expectations for him.
Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: "This Enzo Fernandez deal is unreal, really. We’re looking at their most expensive signing of all time. I know it’s structured in a favourable way, but still, this is a big play and one they are counting on to work and mould this team together in the next couple of years."
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Who could Enzo Fernandez replace at Chelsea?
As already mentioned, Kante has had his injury problems, while his contract expires in the summer.
However, according to The Athletic, there has been progress in recent talks about a new deal, so there is a chance that the Frenchman remains at Stamford Bridge. And if he is fit, you would expect a midfielder of his calibre to play.
Fernandez's arrival, then, probably puts Jorginho's spot in the team at most risk. Like Kante, the 31-year-old is also set to become a free agent in the summer.
If Fernandez does arrive this month and benches him now, then he is definitely not going to extend his expiring contract.
All in all, when you consider all of the above, Chelsea bringing in a new midfielder this month is a wise decision. Now, whether spending over £100m on Fernandez is also a smart move is unquestionably debatable. But it is clear that the Blues' engine room needs addressing.
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