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.
However, there is an understandable desire on the part of Chelsea to pay the colossal figure in installments rather than a one-off sum, something that may prove a stumbling block in talks.
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Fernandez, who is represented by super agent Jorge Mendes, has made just 24 appearances for Benfica and is not actively pushing for a move away from the Estádio da Luz. There is also no agreement in place with Fernandez over a potential switch to Stamford Bridge during the winter transfer window.
Asked about his future and a potential Benfica exit while celebrating the World Cup win in Argentina earlier this week, Fernandez told a crowd of fans: “I don't know anything about that. It's up to my agent, I don't want to get involved. I'm focused on Benfica, in a few days we have an important game. I have a flight at night to play in the game on Friday."
Central midfield is a position co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali will attempt to overhaul in the months ahead. West Ham United captain – and boyhood Chelsea supporter – Declan Rice remains a key target for the summer and England teammate Jude Bellingham is also wanted, although the Blues are trailing in the race to sign the 19-year-old from Borussia Dortmund.
Meanwhile, Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos is expected to arrive in London in the coming days to finalise his move from Vasco da Gama. Chelsea have yet to officially confirm their move for the 18-year-old, who was wanted by Manchester City, Newcastle United and Barcelona, but have announced David Datro Fofana will arrive from Molde on January 1.
Further high-profile signings are expected to be made by Chelsea in the winter window, which may prove to be the club's most lavish in history. The current record is the £75million spent in January 2011, when Fernando Torres and David Luiz arrived on transfer deadline day.
Talks are continuing with Monaco over a move in excess of £35million for centre-back Benoit Badiashile, who was notably an unused substitute in Monaco's 3-2 win over Auxerre yesterday.
And the knee injury sustained by Reece James in Chelsea's win over Bournemouth is expected to see the Blues accelerate their search for a deputy right full-back. Celtic's Josip Juranovic, who impressed for Croatia at the World Cup and was considered in the summer, remains a potential option.
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