Benfica have reportedly denied that a transfer for Enzo Fernandez has been sanctioned, following claims Chelsea had agreed a deal for the midfielder who is also being linked with Liverpool.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough tournament with Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar, where Lionel Scaloni's side beat France in a dramatic final. Fernandez, 21, emerged as one the tournament's most exciting talents, with European clubs such as Real Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea all claimed to be chasing his signature.
It was reported by the Sun on Wednesday that Chelsea had agreed a £105m fee with Benfica to sign the midfielder. That fee meets the release clause on Fernandez's contract.
READ MORE: Chelsea shirt numbers available to David Datro Fofana as January transfer confirmed
But according to 90min, the Portuguese club have denied that Chelsea have agreed such a deal for the player, with Benfica also insisting that any deal that has payments in instalments would be rejected out of hand.
With both N'Golo Kante and Jorginho out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer, Graham Potter is keen to bolster his options in the middle of the park. Mason Mount continues to be locked into contract negotiations with Chelsea.
Declan Rice has also been cited with a potential move to the club, with his contract at West Ham set to expire this summer also. The England star has been heavily tipped to link up with the club he spent eight years with as a boy.
Adding further claims regarding Fernandez's availability, 90min claim that all three interested Premier League clubs - Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea - have indeed spoken to his agent Jorge Mendes about a possible transfer. His current deal with Benfica is not set to expire until the summer of 2027.
READ NEXT:
Reece James injury news: Angry message, what Chelsea boss Potter said, return date and timeline
Every word Graham Potter said on Chelsea victory, Reece James, Mason Mount, fan frustration
Chelsea player ratings vs Bournemouth as Havertz and Mason Mount impress, Reece James injured
Graham Potter gives Reece James injury update after Chelsea victory over Bournemouth
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
