Chelsea have been knocked back firmly by Benfica after rekindling their interest in midfield sensation Enzo Fernandez, according to reports in Portugal.
The Blues were heavily linked with the Argentine, 22, at the start of the January transfer window after his heroics at the World Cup, but their interest was believed to have cooled. Fernandez was crowned Young Player of the Tournament in Qatar after playing a vital role in Argentina's triumph.
Unsurprisingly, Benfica were loath to part ways with their prodigious talent and Chelsea chiefs focussed their efforts elsewhere, completing a remarkable six signings this month. However, reports on Monday suggested they had returned to the negotiating table to try and prise Fernandez from the Portuguese giants before the window slams shut next week.
In a fresh update, Portuguese outlet Record claims Benfica are standing firm in their desire to hold on to Fernandez - unless a would-be buyer meets his gargantuan €120million (£106m) release clause. This stance serves as another blow for the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, who had hoped a €100m (£88m) bid plus a number of players would be enough to make the Lisbon-based club relent.
Benfica are only interested in receiving a nine-figure transfer fee up-front, which is something Chelsea are unable to sanction after another busy window. Ultimately, this means Benfica president Rui Costa is set to deliver another rejection to the west Londoners over his club's prized asset.
As for Fernandez himself, the report from the continent claims he will demand a €2million (£1.8m) bonus if he stays put at Estadio da Luz beyond the January window. The World Cup winner believes he is entitled to such a payment after a month of intense scrutiny over his future, throughout which Chelsea officials have remained in contact with his agent.
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If Fernandez does indeed stay put, it appears almost certain there will be heightened interest in his services this summer, with Barcelona and Real Madrid keeping tabs on the situation. He has made 27 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring four goals and registering seven assists from the centre of the park to underline just why he is so sought-after.
Understandably, Benfica manager Roger Schmidt is desperate to keep hold of Fernandez and ruled out a January departure for the player while speaking last week. "The issue with Enzo is closed. There is no issue anymore," Schmidt said.
"So, he is our player, he is in a very good condition, he is training well, he is happy here, he is part of the squad and he is a key player. So, I think I have already said everything about him."
