In order to transfer to Chelsea by the end of the January transfer window, Enzo Fernandez has requested that Benfica sell him.
Enzo has "reiterated in strong terms to both [Benfica president] Rui Costa and [coach] Roger Schmidt that he wants to leave," according to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs.
The board of Benfica is "split about accepting a structured agreement," according to Jacobs, and "their public stance is'release clause or nothing'."
For the most of the January transfer window, Chelsea has been after Fernandez, and they came very close to signing him earlier in the month.
The negotiations broke down but have recently resumed.
Early on Sunday, it was claimed that Chelsea had made a second bid for Enzo Fernandez of at least €100 million.
the Blues have also given Benfica the option of taking a player in part-exchange.
Benfica have continued to hold firm throughout January on their original decision that Enzo’s €120m release clause must be paid in full if Chelsea want to sign him.
But it remains to be seen if Chelsea can force their hand before the transfer window closes on Tuesday - and also whether Enzo’s request to leave plays a role.
Chelsea are desperate to sign a top central midfielder before the end of the month as they attempt to rescue what has been a disastrous season on the pitch so far. They have also placed a bid for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, as have Arsenal.
Who is Enzo Fernandez?
Fernandez was one of the best midfielders at the 2022 World Cup, playing a key role as Argentina won the trophy.
The 21-year-old broke into the Argentina starting XI during the group stages after scoring a brilliant goal against Mexico.
He went on to be named Young Player of the Tournament, winning plaudits the world over.
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