Chelsea have received a response from Benfica over their attempted late move for the midfielder in the January transfer window. The Blues were said to have made an offer worth over £80million with players included in an attempt to revive their move for the 21-year-old.
football.london understands Chelsea are expected to approach Benfica with another proposal for Enzo Fernandez before the transfer window closes. The west London outfit are in need of a central midfield addition or two, with key players either beyond their best years or nearing the end of their contracts.
Chelsea have already made a number of signings this January in an attempt to bolster the squad, with Graham Potter saying on the business conducted: "It's not as simple as saying they are mine [transfers]. As a head coach, it's very difficult to have command over these targets and have a list of players that are yours.
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"My job is to support the club, the recruitment team, the ownership group, whether it's transfers, daily environment, winning matches. It's a club. We are trying to win together as a club. Whilst I have my input on everything, I'm not the guy who decides everything."
With decisions already being made by the club over some targets, a revived interest in Fernandez indicates the desire to strengthen the central ranks. However, Benfica have responded to the new offer, with Record claiming that the Portuguese club have referred back to the release clause or there will be no deal.
The Blues had previously tried to negotiate a bigger deal but on preferential terms as the release clause requires up front payment and would impact financial fair play rules. It remains to be seen if those in charge of recruitment will change tactic in negotiations or whether an alternative will have to be eyed.
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