Chelsea are trying to land Argentinian World Cup winner from the Benfica for a reported fee of 120 million euros (£105.5m).
The previous record was set by Manchester City following the signing of Jack Grealish for £100m in August 2021.
However, Chelsea could also make a late bid for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, who has been linked with Arsenal for much of the last month.
The south coast club turned down Arsenal’s initial £60m offer, and have since been adamant the Ecuador international will remain at the club for the rest of the season.
But Fernandez is likely to be the latest in a string of new arrivals at Chelsea, who have spent over £450 million on transfers since the conclusion of last season.
Data collected by Seatpick.
However, Chelsea could also make a late bid for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, who has been linked with Arsenal for much of the last month.
![And finally, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga joined Chelsea for £70.4m from Athletic Bilbao in 2018. (Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)](https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjU4Yjk0MDg5LTNmOWQtNDViNS1iODI1LWQzNzI2ZTg2MWM1ZDo0MTU4ZjA3My02NzQwLTQwZTgtYTc3Zi1lNjE1NDE0NzU5MTU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
13. Kepa Arrizabalaga - Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea - £70.4m
And finally, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga joined Chelsea for £70.4m from Athletic Bilbao in 2018. (Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Photo: Justin Setterfield