Benfica need to increase Enzo Fernandez’s launch clause to €150m (£132m) to dam a transfer to Chelsea, in accordance with reviews.
Chelsea did not agree a deal for the Argentina international earlier this month but are planning a renewed push for him earlier than the January window closes having maintained shut contact together with his agent in current weeks.
Fernandez, 22, has been the topic of intense interest from Chelsea, who have been prepared to pay over his current €120m (£105m) launch clause.
A suggestion of £112m was tabled but Chelsea requested for it to be paid in three yearly instalments, with Benfica adamant he would solely depart if his clause was paid in full.
Chelsea additionally tried to tempt Benfica with a suggestion of £79m along with Hakim Ziyech and two different gamers on mortgage.
But those approaches have been rejected and the Portuguese club at the moment are trying to increase his release clause from €120m (£105m) to €150m (£132m) to fend off curiosity in their star participant, in accordance with Record.
Chelsea, though, might still be tempted to table a late supply for Fernandez with the January switch window set to shut in two days.
The Blues have splashed the money since Todd Boehly changed Roman Abramovich in the summertime, with their complete spending now at £468.6m.
The west London club have already made six signings in the January window – Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos and Noni Madueke on everlasting deals and Joao Felix on mortgage – and should properly nonetheless attempt to make Fernandez quantity seven.
Nevertheless, Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt says Fernandez is ‘not serious about’ a move to Chelsea and is assured he won't depart the membership this month.
Requested if he was assured of Fernandez staying, Schmidt stated: ‘Sure. Once you see Enzo enjoying for Benfica you see a really completely satisfied player, in nice form.
‘He’s not serious about anything. I’m not expecting to lose any of our regulars, and that’s why I see very targeted gamers and I hope this stays that approach’.
MORE : Enzo Fernandez responds to Chelsea's renewed efforts to sign him this month
MORE : Benfica respond to Chelsea's late attempt to revive Enzo Fernandez transfer
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