Benfica are braced for another bid from Chelsea to try and sign World Cup star Enzo Fernandez
The Blues pushed hard to sign the 22-year-old earlier in the winter but angered Benfica by refusing to activate his £106m release clause, with the Portuguese side even publicly accusing Chelsea of ”disrespect”.
Talks between the two clubs have since cooled, but 90min understands that Fernandez’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has remained in contact with both Chelsea and Benfica in an attempt to reach a deal.
Sources have confirmed that Fernandez is still very interested in joining Chelsea. The Argentina midfielder missed Benfica training earlier this month in a bid to establish himself, but has been back with his team for the past few weeks, although his desire to leave remains.
Benfica have publicly warned Chelsea that they must activate Fernandez’s release clause for the deal to go through, although the Portuguese side would be willing to receive a fee in installments if the initial payment was significant – something Chelsea have so far refused to offer. .
Chelsea are now expected to renew their efforts to land Fernandez, with sources close to the Portuguese side telling 90 Minutes that Benfica are expecting a call from the Blues in the coming days.
Those in charge at Stamford Bridge are well aware of Fernandez’s desire to move on and are equally keen to get a deal done but have already splashed out almost £200m on Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Andrey in the winter window. Santos and Benoit Badiashile, Chelsea are trying to save as much money as possible.
The Blues explored cheaper alternatives to Fernandez this month but were rejected following inquiries about Barcelona’s Franck Kessie, Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma.
90min understands Chelsea have also considered a deal for Everton midfielder Amada Onana, who has impressed since his summer move to Goodison Park and could be offered the chance to leave the relegation-threatened Toffees this month.
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