Chelsea have reportedly sealed the signing of Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez after completing all of the paperwork in time.
The Blues have been frustrated in talks over a move for the 22-year-old for weeks, with Benfica insisting that he will not be allowed to leave unless his €120m (£105.9m) release clause is met.
After seemingly conceding defeat in their efforts to sign Fernandez earlier this month, Chelsea reignited their interest late in the transfer window and sent a delegation over to Portugal in the hope of finally reaching an agreement.
Following a protracted round of negotiations, Benfica and Chelsea struck an agreement for the transfer of the former River Plate man, who quickly underwent his medical in Portugal.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have managed to sign the necessary documents for Fernandez's move, and he can be considered a Chelsea player.
The Blues had until 11pm to submit a deal sheet to the Premier League, which they did, although they asked for an extension to complete the rest of the paperwork, which did not need to be filed until midnight due to the transfer being of international nature.
Fernandez will sign a whopping eight-and-a-half-year contract with Graham Potter's side until 2031 and will become their eighth signing of the January window after Mykhaylo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Joao Felix.
The Argentina international, who was named the best young player at the 2022 World Cup, prepares to leave Benfica after registering four goals and seven assists in 29 games during his only half-season in Portugal.
Ben Knapton
