Chelsea have not given up in the club’s attempts to sign Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez this month.
Chelsea made Fernandez a leading target for the January transfer window but have so far failed to reach an agreement with Benfica for the 22-year-old, who the Portuguese side insist will not leave for less than his €120m (£105.4m) release clause.
The west Londoners have made several proposals which include players in exchange or on loan, but Benfica have refused to budge on their stance despite Fernandez’s desire to move to the Premier League.
Sky Sports are reporting that Chelsea ‘have not given up’ hope of signing Fernandez before Tuesday’s deadline as the club consider several midfield options. If the Blues activate his release clause, the deal would make Fernandez the most expensive player in Premier League history.
Fernandez was named as the Best Young Player at the World Cup in Qatar, after his role in Argentina’s triumphant campaign. Benfica were critical of Chelsea’s approach for the midfielder earlier this month with manager Roger Schmidt having called the club’s pursuit disrespectful to the Portuguese side.
Benfica have so far failed to persuade Fernandez – who only signed for the club from River Plate last summer – to sign a new deal, ahead of expected interest from clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona next summer.
