Even though January hasn't even arrived, Chelsea is busy working behind the scenes.
The Blues' first transfer window acquisition, David Datro Fofana, was officially announced earlier this week, and the team wasted no time in bringing in their second player. Chelsea is now making a lot of effort to acquire Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who shone for Argentina during their World Cup-winning campaign, is the subject of ongoing negotiations between the west Londoners and the Portuguese club. Chelsea is prepared to meet Fernandez's contract's £105 million release clause. However, they are hesitant to pay it all at once and would prefer to divide the cost into several payments.
Numerous reliable sources suggest that the Argentinainternational wants to make the big-money switch to Stamford Bridge next month. It's now up to Chelsea to come up with a solution in regards to the hefty price-tag.
If the two clubs can reach an agreement and Fernandez becomes a Chelsea player, then he would be able to represent his new side in the Champions League. The Blues take on Borussia Dortmund in the Round of 16 – with the first-leg scheduled to be played on February 15 and the return fixture at Stamford Bridge on March 7.
This is because the ruling states: "As of the round of 16, a club may register a maximum of three new eligible players for the remaining matches in the current competition. Such registration must be completed by 2 February 2023 (24.00CET) at the latest. This deadline cannot be extended.
"Any or all of the players from the above quota of three may have been fielded for another club in the qualifying phase, play-offs or group stage of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League or UEFA Europa Conference League."
This hasn't always been the case, however. Back in the 2018/19 season, the player registration restrictions in European competitions have been lifted. This will come as a major boost should Chelsea manage to get this Fernandez deal over the line in the coming days/weeks.
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