Chelsea close in on second Graham Potter signing who has been likened to N’Golo Kante

Chelsea have indicated to Benfica they are willing to trigger the release clause of World Cup star Enzo Fernandez this winter transfer window according to reports in Portugal and Argentina.

The 21-year-old was one of the pillars on which Argentina won the world cup and teams have circled for the midfielder who won the Young Player of the Tournament in Qatar.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid have all shown interest in the last week but it is Chelsea who have gone ahead and informed Benfica of their interest to sign the midfielder as they look to strengthen their squad.

The deal will be the biggest in the history of the club but Chelsea are building something unique under new ownership Todd Boehly and have already agreed a deal to sign David Datro Fofana from Swedish side Molde. The 20-year-old adds to Carney Chukwuemeka who was signed from Villa in the summer as the future stars of the club.

The ages of these new signings is an indication of the direction the club is taking and with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho all out of contract in the summer, there will be the need to reinforce for the long term good of the club.

Fernandez scored his first and only goal for Argentina in their 2-0 group stage win over Mexico, becoming the second youngest scorer for his nation at a World Cup behind Lionel Messi.

Liverpool have already splashed the cash on Cody Gakpo while Manchester United are looking for a forward after terminating the contract of Cristiano Ronaldo.