Benfica have rejected Chelsea’s first bid for highly-rated Argentine youngster Enzo Fernandez.
Enzo Fernandez emerged into the spotlights after his 2022 World Cup heroics for Argentina.
Fernandez, 21, started all Argentina’s World Cup games, and scored his only goal of the tournament in a 2-0 win over Mexico in the group stage.
He was instrumental to the team’s World Cup winning run, and was awarded the Young Player of the Tournament.
While placing himself on the radar of most clubs in Europe, Chelsea are the frontrunners in the race to sign the World Cup winner.
Todd Boehly is unswerving on his new policy of stuffing Chelsea with talented and promising youngsters capable of changing the fortunes of the club.
With a contract imbroglio with France international N’Golo Kante and Jorginho’s impending exit, Enzo Fernandez will be a great addition to the Blues, adding depth to Graham Potter’s midfield choices.
Benfica are pegging his release clause at £106million, but Chelsea are reportedly ready to pay up to £112million, but only on instalments.
Howeve, the Primeira Liga giants wants Enzo Fernandez’s release clause paid in full not instalmentally, with more money paid up front.
FutballNews understands that Benfica are not willing to sell Enzo Fernandez as he is an integral part of Roger Schmidt’s Primeira and Champions League campaign. Hence, they have set the over-bloated release clause that will smash all Premier League transfer record if met by Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez is reportedly pushing to move to the London club, and has earned the fury of Benfica fans and the club’s hierarchy after he defied Roger Schmidt to exit the squad for a new year break.
He has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea and his recent antics points to his resolve to push through a move to Stamford Bridge.
According to Ben Jacobs, Benfica have rejected Chelsea’s bid for Enzo Fernandez as the club double down on their decision not to sell the player.
The two clubs are yet to reach an agreement, and the Blues will now have to either meet Benfica’s release clause or walk away.
Accroding to reports, crisis have rocked Benfica’s board over Chelsea’s interest in the midfielder, with some board members urging the club to sell while others are insisting on retaining the player.
As things stand, the likelihood of Benfica retaining Enzo Fernandez is very low amid Chelsea’s interest, although they have rejected Chelsea’s offer.
The 21-year-old has already made his intentions clear by snubbing the club in the eve of the new year celebrations. He traveled to Bueno Aires in Argentina to celebrate the new year with his family without the permission of the club.
While he hopes to play in the Premier League and is optimistic of a move, it appears there are now slimmer chances for a deal to happen unless Chelsea make a new move on the talks.
