Chelsea enter the race to sign Benfica midfielder Fernandes

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes, according to reports.

The Portugal international emerged as a target for Everton last week, with the Toffees in desperate need of midfield reinforcements this month.

Andre Gomes and JP Gbamin are both out injured for the Blues, while Fabian Delph and Morgan Schneiderlin have failed to inspire on Merseyside, leading the club to focus on midfield recruitment during this transfer window.

Now Chelsea have entered the race to sign Fernandes, with Sky Sports reporting that it appears to be down to Chelsea or West Ham.

Sky Sports report that West Ham had made an initial offer of an 18-month loan with an obligation to buy for £33million following the end of the loan deal, and now Chelsea have made their own offer of an 18-month loan with a £55million obligation.

Chelsea’s offer would be dependent on the 21-year old playing at least 50 per cent of the club’s games during his loan spell, while West Ham are also believed to have entered a second offer late on Wednesday night, according to Sky Sports’ Live Blog.

The initial report of Everton’s interest didn’t mention a permanent price, however it had been an optional clause, following an 18-month loan deal.

Fernandes wants to move to the Premier League, according to the report, and his preferred destination is London.

Read Everton Verdict

If Sky Sports are to be believed, Everton don’t appear to be in the running for Fernandes anymore, despite reports claiming last week that the Toffees were leading the chase.

The 21-year old had been seen as an option to fill a hole in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, and it now appears as though Everton will need to turn their attention elsewhere, unless a last ditch offer could turn the midfielder’s head.

£55million is a lot of money to spend on a young player who is unproven in the Premier League, and while he has been described as having a bright future, it is too big a gamble on an obligational basis. As an option, it isn’t too bad, but putting that level of commitment down from the off is asking a lot.

Everton have enough time left of the transfer window to consider their options and their targets moving forward, and there will likely be another few names thrown up in the air at least until the club find their man.