The 22-year-old starred at the Qatar World Cup, helping Argentina win the tournament by beating France in the final.

Enzo Fernandes only joined Benfica in the summer. He paid 10 million euros to Argentina's River Plate to acquire him, plus another 8 million euros in bonuses.

It is no surprise that the young player of the tournament at a World Cup would attract interest. But that Chelsea would be willing to part with more than 10 times what Benfica paid for Enzo Fernandez barely six months ago represents an extraordinary pursuit of the young midfielder.

The backdrop of Todd Boehly's seemingly endless month of spending does add some context. But it is still not enough to explain fully why the Blues would break their own all-time transfer record midway through a campaign - without an imminent need to replace anyone - to sign a 22-year-old with a little over half a season of experience in Europe.

Take the money out of the equation and Fernandez's signing looks an astute one and, looking forward to the summer and beyond, would provide a transition period ahead of Jorginho's likely departure.

He would likely be the Italian's natural successor in Chelsea's midfield after the Euro 2020 winner's up-and-down five years in west London, and could well prove a welcome upgrade for Graham Potter's misfiring side. The impressive movements of the Londoners.

The west London club have already spent close to €230m this month, with Ukrainian striker Mykhajlo Mudryk signing from Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth €100m.

Chelsea have also signed Datro Fofana from Norway's Molde, Benoit Badiasile from Monaco, Andrey Santos from Brazil's Vasco Da Gama and Noni Madueke from PSV Eindhoven, as well as Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid.

However, the matter should end tonight as the second transfer window closes and then Chelsea will have to wait until the summer...