Chelsea confirm signing of Enzo Fernandez after reaching £107m British record deal

Chelsea have finally confirmed the signing of Enzo Fernandez for a British record £107million after they agreed a deal with Benfica late on deadline day.

The club posted a video on Twitter in which they teased the unveiling of Fernandez later today.

It contained a ticking clock, his name in the Chelsea dressing room and ended with a picture of the player himself.

Fernandez could end up playing for Chelsea until 2031 after signing an eight-and-a-half year deal.

Chelsea's pursuit of Fernandez headed into the last minutes of the transfer window as both clubs spent Tuesday locked in talks to try and get the move wrapped up.

Chelsea had made preparations for his medical in Portugal and organised a private jet for him to board on Wednesday to fly to England.

At one point, it looked as though Chelsea would fail to get the deal for the 22-year-old over the line - but both parties finally made a breakthrough just minutes before the 11pm deadline.

Benfica confirmed the move in a statement in the early hours of Wednesday morning after the clubs completed the necessary paperwork prior to the deadline. The Portuguese club also removed Fernandez from their list of players on the club website.

The Blues teased an announcement by changing their Twitter bio to an Argentina flag followed by a trophy emoji.

Then on Wednesday morning the BluwesChelsea's co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali - who also sanctioned Jorginho's move to Arsenal on Tuesday - led negotiations for the World Cup winner with Benfica from London.

Sources had earlier indicated that Chelsea could fall just short and were ready to turn their attention to completing a summer move for Fernandez because sealing a deal for this season was proving too difficult.

But Tuesday night's agreement was met with huge relief given the club's determination to complete the move in January.

It is understood the biggest hurdle the Londoners were trying to overcome was agreeing a payment plan for the record fee with Benfica.

Chelsea wanted to pay in six instalments, including one larger up-front payment.

Benfica, however, originally wanted Chelsea to pay Fernandez's £105m release clause in one go. Talks on Tuesday were primarily aimed at negotiating that obstacle, with Chelsea offering to reduce the number of instalments.

It is believed Benfica were willing to accept a payment structure of three instalments over two years and eventually a middle ground was reached. Fernandez had always been open to a move, but has decided to stay out of talks out of respect to Benfica.

Benfica left the 22-year-old out of their squad to face Arouca on Tuesday and he also missed training on Monday. Personal terms had already been agreed.

The signing brings Chelsea's total spending in January to more than £323million.

Also on transfer deadline day, Jorginho moved across London as he joined Arsenal in a deal worth up to £12m.

The Gunners turned to the Italian on Monday after conceding defeat in their bid to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton.

On manager Mikel Arteta's role in him joining the Gunners, Jorginho said: 'He tried a few times to get me before and it did not happen due to other reasons, not because of my wishes. So, of course, he had a big influence.'