Transfer Talk: Chelsea eye Enzo while Gunners chase Caicedo

Cian Cheesbrough

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Chelsea are not giving up hope of landing Enzo Fernandez before the January transfer window closes

Chelsea have reportedly returned to the negotiating table to complete a sensational move for Enzo Fernandez and want to sign the Benfica midfielder before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

The Portuguese giants rejected a £70million bid for their Argentine World Cup star earlier this month but the Blues are prepared to go higher to get the deal done.

According to The Telegraph, the West Londoners have made two new proposals which they hope will secure their eighth signing of the January window.

Stamford Bridge chiefs have offered to stump up £85m for the 22-year-old and allow one of their players to join Benfica in return, while they are also prepared to pay Fernandez’s £105m release clause in instalments.

With the Eagles previously insisting that his clause is paid in full, it remains to be seen whether they are tempted by either of the new offers.

Fernandez is believed to be keen on the move to the Premier League outfit so agreeing personal terms late in the window would not be a problem.

Seagulls hold firm on Caicedo

Moises Caicedo has revealed his desire to leave Brighton

Brighton have rejected a second offer from Arsenal worth £65m plus £5m in add-ons for wantaway midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Sky Sports say the Seagulls are adamant the 21-year-old will not be sold before Tuesday’s deadline despite the player’s apparent desire to move to the Premier League leaders.

The Ecuador international pleaded with the South Coast club to allow him to leave in a revealing Instagram post over the weekend.

He said: "My dream [was] always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.

"The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity."

It is indicated that Caicedo has been told to stay away from Brighton’s training ground as they look to avoid losing their second player to the North London club this window following Leandro Trossard’s £27m switch.