Why Chelsea must go all out for Gedson Fernandes

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have made an 18-month loan offer for Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes with an obligation to buy for £55m.

The Portuguese, 20, has struggled for game time this season, as the report suggests he has fallen out with head coach Bruno Lage.

Fernandes enjoyed a breakout season last year and established himself as a player for the future but has started only twice in Liga Nos this term. In fact, the youngster has featured for just a minute in the team’s last four outings.

The report also adds that West Ham United have made contact with Benfica over Gedson Fernandes’ signing and have also offered an 18-month loan deal with £33m option to buy him. And this estimation is drastically lesser than his £102m release clause.

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is free to buy players this month after their ban two-window transfer ban was uplifted by CAS back in December. The blues have failed to capitalize on a bright start to the season and had lost their way midway through the first half of this campaign.

Despite being vulnerable at times, Lampard’s men have managed to cling to the last Champions League qualification spot so far. It is quite clear that the London club need some improvement in their squad, especially in the midfield.

Mateo Kovacic has been an ever-present member in the squad, whereas star player N’Golo Kante missed seven league games due to injury. His return to the squad has been a boost to their confidence but the Frenchman has not been up to the standards so far.

On the other hand, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Marco Van Ginkel have been long-term absentees after picking up injuries and are still on the sidelines.

This has left the manager with very options to cover the central area and therefore, Lampard must prioritize strengthening the midfield along with the attacking department within the end of this month.

In that case, Gedson Fernandes would perfectly fit the bill at Stamford Bridge. The youngster, who is a Benfica player throughout, is naturally a central midfielder but can also operate equally well in other midfield positions.

He is a promising youngster with a truckload of potential and could be the player Lampard needs.

The 20-year-old has some experience at the international level after being capped twice by Portugal and it would come in handy when he moves to a league with higher standards. He also has a European U17 Champion’s medal to his name.

The Portuguese starlet would be an exciting addition to Chelsea’s midfield and the Blues can benefit from his athleticism, skills and creativity in the middle of the park.

In the video below, one can see what qualities he would bring to Stamford Bridge if a deal goes through.

Read more

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Verdict

At 20, Fernandes has proved himself in his home country and this would be the right time for him to make a move to the Premier League. Therefore, Chelsea going all out for the youngster would be a brilliant move.