Gary Neville has reacted to reports suggesting Chelsea will spend €127 million [£112m] on Argentina and Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez in the January window.
Talks between Chelsea and Benfica for the highly-rated midfielder are at an 'advanced stage' and the deal is said to be 'very close', according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
Fernandez, who was named the Best Young Player at this winter's World Cup, has already said "yes" to Chelsea after agreeing to leave the Portuguese outfit.
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And now, reports suggest Chelsea will split the final transfer fee into three instalments of around €40 million [£35m].
If they do manage to get a British record deal over the line, Chelsea will be getting one of football's biggest talents. In fact, Fernandez was described as "spectacular" by international teammate Lionel Messi during this winter's World Cup.
But some have raised questions over his hefty €127 million price tag, including Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville.
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Neville reacted to the reports on Tuesday morning, tweeting: "Are Chelsea paying €127m for Enzo Fernandez? That’s one hell of a price. A very good player but bloody hell!"
A fan soon replied to his post. "Didn’t see you concerned with the price Antony went for. Pogba etc. Alright when you lot do it but nobody else can spend."
Neville hit back: "Agree with Anthony (he’s a lot to do to get to 95m price tag). Pogba had pedigree when he signed for United so not comparable."
Fernandez, who also been linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester United in recent weeks, appears desperate to leave Benfica.
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Portuguese outlet A Bola claimed he angered club officials by defying orders not to fly back to Argentina and as a result, the player missed two training sessions.
In addition to those reports, Fernandez allegedly told Benfica that he doesn't want to play in Friday's Primeira Liga game against Portimonense, according to Ojogo.
That same report also suggests he has asked Benfica president Rui Costa to push through his proposed transfer to Chelsea as rumours continue to swirl surrounding his future.
Benfica manager Roger Schmidt fears Fernandez has played his last game for the Portuguese side. After their 3-0 defeat to Braga last week, Schmidt was asked if the midfielder had pulled on the Benfica shirt for the last time.
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"In my opinion Enzo played well today," he said. "I don’t know if it was Enzo’s last game. He is a great player, since he arrived at Benfica he has played fantastic football.
"And even as a person he is totally identified with the club. As I said before, in football sometimes things happen and players have to make decisions. Let’s see what happens in the coming weeks."
Thoughts on Fernandez potentially breaking Jack Grealish's British transfer record this month? Is he worth the fee?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/Alamy/Instagram - enzojfernandezTopics: Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Argentina, Benfica
