Benfica reluctant to lose Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea might renew their interest in Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez despite a failed attempt this month.

As reported by The Guardian, Chelsea will make a fresh attempt to snatch Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in January. The Argentine midfielder remains a coveted prospect in the transfer market. But Benfica do not want to lose the World Cup winner this month.

The Blues have been the busiest team in this window having already roped in five players thus far. Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has been injecting fresh funds to turn his side into a winning machine.

But results have not been that satisfactory thus far, as Chelsea remain very distant from a potential place in the top four. And Graham Potter has not really built on his earlier success.

The Blues are in serious need of midfield reinforcements, as both Jorginho and N’Golo Kante will see their current deals expire in the summer. Kante could be convinced to extend his stay, but a tint of freshness is needed in the middle of the pitch.

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Enzo Fernandez impressed in Argentina’s World Cup triumph and since then, clubs have been lurking for his service. Chelsea have already been made aware of his massive release clause. But the Premier League outfit are confident a deal can be breached for a much lower price.

Chelsea also have seen a £55 million bid get rejected for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo. And they might return with a better offer, although Fernandez remains a priority for the west Londoners.

Outgoings are also bound to happen as Financial Fair Play will have a stringent watch on Chelsea’s financial activities. The club has spent almost £450 million on 14 players, and they have shown no restraint in shopping for players.

They are also expected to indulge in a transfer battle for West Ham United ace Declan Rice in the summer. So they will have to offload several fringe players to raise funds for their future transactions. With only a week left in the transfer window, they have to accelerate in a bid to pursue the midfielder.

Benfica are not willing to let the 22-year-old leave Portugal, having only signed the player in the summer of 2022. And that will complicate any potential move for the Blues.