Chelsea have informed Benfica they are prepared to break their transfer record to secure the signing of World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, football.london understands.
The 21-year-old has established himself as one of the standout young players in world football following his switch to the Portuguese giants in the summer – and Fernandez's performances at the World Cup in Qatar for champions Argentina resulted in him being named Best Young Player at the tournament.
Representatives from Chelsea are understood to have this week told counterparts at Benfica that they are willing to match the £105million release clause in the midfielder's contract in January, a fee that would eclipse the £97.5m it took to bring Romelu Lukaku to Stamford Bridge from Inter Milan 14 months ago.
