Chelsea have reportedly upped their pursuit of Argentina World Cup star Enzo Fernandez with their latest offer of £87 million plus three players including Hakim Ziyech.
The Blues have been strongly linked with the Argentina international, who recently helped his country win the World Cup by starring in the centre of the pitch.
Despite only being at the Estadio da Luz for five months, the Young Player of the Tournament has piqued the interest of numerous high-profile clubs.
However, with Benfica demanding that Fernandez’s £106m release clause be met in full, only Chelsea have continued to try to negotiate a deal.
At one point this week, it was claimed that Benfica president Rui Costa had made the decision that the only solution was to cash in on the former River Plate player.
That was when it became clear that Chelsea were willing to pay over Fernandez’s release clause in three annual instalments in order to complete a deal.
However, reports have emerged in the past 24 hours claiming that Benfica is demanding £106m in one payment or no deal will be made.
According to Record, Chelsea did respond by expressing a willingness to part with £87m as well as three players, including a player who is yet to be confirmed as one of their own.
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The Blues’ hierarchy are reportedly willing to let Vasco da Gama youngster Andrey Santos go on loan to Portugal immediately if it increases their chances of signing Fernandez.
Nonetheless, Benfica are said to be uninterested in that proposal, which also includes Hakim Ziyech and David Datro Fofana, the latter on loan.
Fernandez is said to have informed Benfica that he wishes to join Chelsea before the end of the month.
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