Chelsea are one of a number of sides that are reported to be monitoring a deal for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez ahead of the January transfer window. The 21-year-old has seen his stock continue to rise in recent months, with his displays in Argentina's World Cup triumph only helping his case.
With a big future ahead of him, it seems only natural that a big price tag has also been slapped on any potential move in the future. Fernandez has a release clause in his contract worth roughly £105million that seems to be the only current way of getting a deal over the line.
Amid such interest though, it appears that the Portuguese club are looking to tie the midfielder down to an even larger deal to ward off a potential exit. Reports of a contract offer state that it could add millions onto his release clause too, making a transfer even tougher for suitors.
READ MORE: Enzo Fernandez signs, Mateo Kovacic return: Graham Potter's dream Chelsea midfield after January
The Blues could skip any negotiations though if they wish, paying the release clause to make sure they can get a deal over the line first. However, as appears to be the case with incoming forward Christopher Nkunku, paying over the clause to get preferred payment terms seems to be the go-to option for the new ownership regime.
If Fernandez is to join, there may be a few squad numbers available to him at Chelsea, though not his often-worn No.13 as that is taken by backup goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli. There are still some higher profile numbers available to the youngster though that come within the first 11.
Squad numbers currently available to Enzo Fernandez: 2, 3, 4, 11, 15, 27, 31.
READ NEXT:
Enzo Fernandez signs, Mateo Kovacic return: Graham Potter's dream Chelsea midfield after January
Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea transfer: Al-Nassr signing date, £176m deal, 'agreement' reached
Graham Potter's dream Chelsea line-up if Todd Boehly completes Enzo Fernandez transfer
Chelsea set for record breaking January as Pep Guardiola gives triple boost in transfer update
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
