CHELSEA are preparing to launch another huge transfer bid for Enzo Fernandez – with Real Madrid and Barcelona waiting in the wings.
The Blues have stormed through the January transfer window and splashed out nearly £200million already this month to try and revive the team.
Only Benfica have shown some resistance from Todd Boehly’s spending power as they cling on to Fernandez.
The midfielder has been heavily linked to the London club ever since his outstanding World Cup with Argentina.
After Benfica successfully rebuffed Chelsea’s initial attempts to sign him, it now appears they have another battle on their hands.
The Record newspaper in Portugal report on their front page that Chelsea are preparing to launch a 100m euros – or £88m – bid for the star.
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The 22-year-old has a release clause of £106m in his contract.
If the fee was met, Benfica would be forced to accept Chelsea’s offer.
But so far the Blues have appeared unwilling to go that high despite being keen on midfield reinforcements.
Record claim the club are preparing to offer £88m along with some of their own players in a swap to sweeten the deal.
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But Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are believed to be monitoring the situation, upping the stakes as the transfer window enters its final weeks.
Chelsea have not been shy previously under their new ownership on spending money.
The club dished out £88m to recruit Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk, with the young winger enjoying a good debut at Anfield on Saturday.
Funds have also gone towards bringing in the permanent signings of Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Noni Madueke and Andrey Santos while money also had to forked out to secure Joao Felix on loan.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
