Benfica trying to convince World Cup star Fernandez to snub Chelsea

Benfica are trying to convince Enzo Fernandez to ignore interest from Chelsea and remain at the club until the summer.

Chelsea are interested in a deal to sign Fernandez next month and have made the midfielder a top target following his performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The 21-year-old was named as the tournament’s Best Young Player, following his role in Argentina’s victorious campaign in Qatar.

 

Chelsea are pursuing a deal despite Benfica’s reluctance to sell Fernandez, who has a release clause of around £106m in his contract. According to the Times, Benfica are aiming to persuade Fernandez to turn down interest from England and wait until the summer for a high-profile move.

Fernandez signed for Benfica from River Plate in a £15m deal last summer, but has since seen his reputation enhance in Portugal. He earned his first cap for Argentina in September, before having a prominent role in their World Cup success earlier this month.

Chelsea are reportedly willing to meet his release clause in what would represent a British transfer-record deal, as the Blues look to back Graham Potter and beat off competition from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.

Fernandez has been made a top target for the club’s midfield rebuild, alongside West Ham’s Declan Rice and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.

Chelsea are set for an active January window having confirmed a deal for Molde teenager David Datro Fofana, while the Blues also remain in negotiations with Monaco over a £35m deal for centre-back Benoît Badiashile.

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