On the back of a World Cup in which he won the FIFA Young Player Award, Enzo Fernandez has become one of the hottest properties in Europe.
With no disrespect to his current employers, the only question around Fernandez's future seems to be whether he'll leave for bigger things in January or the summer, and a January move is looking increasingly likely.
Such an important player for both his national side and club side, it wouldn't have been a surprise to see Benfica keep hold of Fernandez until the summer (7/2), especially when you consider how their campaign is going.
They're currently storming the Primeira Liga, and have a last-16 tie with Club Brugge to come after topping a Champions League group that contained PSG and Juventus. Not only did they draw twice with PSG, they beat Juventus home and away, before securing a dramatic 6-1 victory over Maccabi Haifa - dramatic because the final two goals, scored in the 88th and 92nd minute secured top spot in their group.
It set up a favourable draw, which they're 1/4 to qualify from.
However, such is the nature of the Premier League these days, that there remains a 'big six' with only four Champions League places available. And as Leicester twice nearly showed - and indeed Newcastle may still show - there's no guarantee that the big six will claim all four.
The picture becomes clearer in January, and those on the periphery of the top four are likely to be the most active in the transfer window.
Chelsea are one such club. Graham Potter has a big job on his hands following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel, and while Arsenal and Manchester City seem to have half the places wrapped up, the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United and of course Newcastle, are all vying for the remaining two.
On paper, certainly in the summer, the midfield looked to be one of Chelsea's stronger areas. But Mason Mount hasn't been able replicate last season's form, N'Golo Kante has hardly played through injury, Mateo Kovacic's struggles for fitness remain, and Conor Gallagher is yet to find the same joy he did at Crystal Palace.
All in all, it leaves the midfield looking rather bare, and the signing of Fernandez would be a huge boost to their Champions League hopes and a statement that, despite their precarious league position, they can still attract the hottest prospects in Europe, and they're currently 1/5 favourites.
Liverpool (10/1) fit into a similar profile to Chelsea. When Thiago plays, his class shows, but he's not one who can be relied on to play a full season. In fact, in his whole career, he's only surpassed 20 league starts twice.
Jordan Henderson isn't as influential as he once was and will be 33 at the start of next season, while James Milner will be 37 in the new year, and Harvey Elliott, still a teenager, isn't yet at the level Liverpool need.
There is a glaringly obvious hole in Liverpool's squad and it hasn't been filled by the signing of Cody Gakpo. While another forward is a welcome addition, Liverpool need a midfielder, and it's hard to see them not showing some interest in the 21-year-old.
Manchester United (14/1) would surely be interested in the long term, but as far as the short-term goes, they desperately need a centre forward, and financial restrictions may keep them from even getting that, let alone anything else.
While Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have been revelations in midfield for United this season, they're both the wrong side of 30. Erik ten Hag will likely be happy with his midfield at the moment, with additions likely to be addressed in the summer.
