Chelsea could have the perfect replacements lined up for midfield duo Jorginho and N’Golo Kanté in Benfica’s Enzo Fernández and West Ham United’s Declan Rice, as Graham Potter heads into his first transfer window at Stamford Bridge, journalist Dean Jones has suggested to GiveMeSport.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion manager will be looking to put his own stamp on the Blues this winter.

Chelsea transfer news – Enzo Fernández and Declan Rice

According to CBS Journalist Ben Jacobs, Benfica have rejected Chelsea’s initial bid of what was believed to be £112m in instalments for the services of Fernández this winter, with the Portuguese giants insisting that the Premier League side pay his release clause outright, thought to be worth £106m.

However, Jones has recently told GiveMeSport that the World Cup winner with Argentina has recently had his head turned following interest from the Blues, potentially meaning a deal could be forced through by the player this month, though Benfica boss Roger Schmidt has branded the Premier League side as "disrespectful" in their pursuit of the midfielder suggesting that a move could be in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, Jacobs has also reported that Chelsea are hoping that they could secure the services of Rice for as little as £75m, though the midfielder could have three-four “top suitors.”

Simon Phillips has previously told GiveMeSport that the 23-year-old is the west London side’s top target, though a move may not take place until the summer transfer window.

And Jones believes that with both Jorginho and Kanté looking set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, Chelsea could be signing the “perfect combination” to replace the duo in Fernández and Rice.

What has Jones said about Chelsea’s interest in Fernández and Rice?

Jones told GiveMeSport: “What we're looking at is potentially the perfect combination to take over from where Jorginho and Kanté are going to be leaving.

“If Declan Rice is genuinely available at around £70m/£75m in the summer and Fernández is £100m, that combined fee to replace Jorginho and Kanté who are both expected to leave isn't that bad.”

Will Chelsea be able to sign both Fernández and Rice?

With Chelsea set to be in the market for midfield additions across the next two transfer windows, it may not come as a surprise if the club are prepared to spend big on the two signings in 2023.

With the club seemingly focused on securing the signature of Fernández in January, it could be that Potter puts all of his eggs in the Rice basket in the summer, if the Premier League side can secure the signature of the Argentine this month.

However, a move for the pair will not come cheap, and Todd Boehly may have to evaluate the possibility of signing the duo before investing in what is likely to be close to £200m in adding the two midfielders to Potter’s squad at Stamford Bridge.

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