Benfica ‘fight to convince Enzo Fernandez to SNUB Chelsea as chief points out they may not qualify for Champions League’
BENFICA have tried to convince Enzo Fernandez to snub a record-breaking move to Chelsea and stay with them.
The Blues have made the Argentina World Cup star one of their transfer priorities ahead of the January window.
Chelsea are willing to pay Fernandez’s £106million release clause with Manchester United and Liverpool also keen.
But Benfica are determined to keep the midfielder and club president Rui Costa met with Fernandez upon his return to Portugal on Wednesday.
According to The Times, Costa tried to convince the 21-year-old that staying at the club for the remainder of the season would be beneficial for his career.
Costa is believed to have pointed to the fact that Chelsea may not qualify for the Champions League as a reason for Fernandez to stay.
He also argued there is instability at Stamford Bridge following the takeover by Todd Boehly and the departure of manager Thomas Tuchel in September.
Benfica are also said to be willing to offer Fernandez a much-improved contract which could see him earn up to £7m more in performance-related bonuses.
A new deal could also increase his release clause by £76m, though Benfica would allow him to leave for less than that.
Chelsea want to wrap up a deal for Fernandez in January which is why they are happy to match his release clause.
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The Blues want to avoid a summer transfer battle which could see the likes of United, Liverpool and Real Madrid make offers for the youngster.
Fernandez recently broke his silence on the transfer rumours, telling Globo: “I don’t know anything about that.
“It’s up to my agent, I don’t want to get involved.
“I’m focused on Benfica, in a few days we have an important game [against Braga].”