Chelsea have made ‘a substantial offer’ for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez but it is understood to be in instalments rather than his £106million release clause outright.
The 21-year-old was selected to play for Benfica against Sporting Braga on Friday night but has told his club he is open to making the move if Chelsea can agree a fee.
Benfica have insisted all along they do not wish to sell Fernandez during the along they do not wish to sell Fernandez during the January window and have offered him an improved contract but recognise the World Cup winner’s head has been turned by the attraction of moving to London in a lucrative deal.
Liverpool, whose priority is Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, Manchester United and Newcastle also rate Fernandez highly but have not made offers. Benfica’s valuation is considered too high.
Chelsea, who are also closing in on a £35m-plus deal for Monaco centre back Benoit Badiashile, are hopeful of convincing Benfica to relent by offering a significant fee up front to secure his services.
Should they fail, they have alternatives which include Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister, who also starred for Argentina during the World Cup and is well known to Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
Chelsea, who have held positive talks over a new contract for N’Golo Kante, have also registered interest in Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, who is Arsenal’s top January target.
Both the Gunners and Chelsea have spoken to Atletico Madrid regarding a loan deal for Joao Felix
