Chelsea‘s new £121 million signing Enzo Fernandez is available to play in their Premier League clash against Fulham this evening, as the paperwork has been completed.
Fernandez’s stunning move was agreed in the final minutes of the transfer window, with the two clubs spending Tuesday in closed-door talks to try and complete the move.
With the deal rushed through in the closing stages, there were fears the Argentine may have had to wait to make his debut as his international clearance had not yet gone through as of yesterday.
His papers are signed and sealed, meaning he is in contention for Blues boss Graham Potter, according to TyC Sports.
The Argentine World Cup winner, who joined for a record British fee, is expected to show some form for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight.
Fernandez was named the best young player when Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar last year and could help revive Chelsea’s fading season, which has seen them slip to 10th in the league.
Fernandez told the club’s website after his arrival: “Chelsea is a big club, it’s a club that always fights for trophies and has won the Champions League in recent years. Together we will strive to achieve everything the club wants and take it to the next level.
“Me and my family are really happy to be here in London and to enjoy the city. I think it’s a really beautiful city, so we’ll enjoy it and have a good time.
“I haven’t played against any of my new teammates yet and haven’t had a chance to chat with any of them yet, but I know who they are and I’m looking forward to working with them all!”
Potter faces selection headaches in tonight’s clash and it could be interesting to see how many of his new signings he deploys against his west London rivals.
The Blues have been busy in the transfer window, signing Joao Felix, Benoit Badiashile, Mykhailo Mudryk, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Noni Madueke and Malo Gusto in a record January outing of £323m.
Most of those stars will be available for selection, while the quartet of Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Raheem Sterling and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also back in contention after returning from injury.
Potter admitted in his pre-match press conference yesterday: “[They’re] in the squad, they can’t play 90 minutes but they’re in the squad.
“Wesley [Fofana] is training with the team but he will get stronger. We are still without the others.’
Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Christian Pulisic, Armando Broja and Denis Zakaria remain sidelined.
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