Chelsea have offered Benfica more than £106m for Enzo Fernandes as the Blues bid to beat Man United in the World Cup transfer race for the Argentina star.

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Chelsea have reportedly offered Benfica more than £106m for Argentina’s World Cup star Enzo Fernandes, who has also been linked with Manchester United.

Chelsea have offered Benfica the Blues more than £106m more than their player-of-the-match release clause

what happens? The amount exceeds Fernandes’ current €120m release clause. Portuguese outlet Correio de Manha reports that Chelsea representatives have arrived in Lisbon to discuss the terms of a potential deal. The Blues’ current showing puts them at center stage for one of the hottest properties in Europe, having also been linked closely with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool this month.

The bigger picture: Fernandes is one of the continent’s most sought-after players after his impressive displays for Argentina at the World Cup. The 21-year-old scored a stunning goal against Mexico in the group stages and was a vital cog in Lionel Scaloni’s side, his performance earning him the tournament’s Young Player of the Year award and helping the Albiceleste to their first World Cup since 1986.

And what’s more: despite an impressive tournament in Qatar, Fernandes was keen to quash several rumors surrounding his possible exit from Benfica. However, with Chelsea matching his release clause, Correio de Manha has reported that the Argentine star could leave as early as January, with the Blues looking to revitalize an aging midfield with both Jorginho and N’Golo Kante out of contract in the summer. And it is unlikely to be renewed.

A story in three pictures:

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did you know Fernandez led all players in touches (118), successful passes (77) and tackles (10) in the World Cup final against France. His ten tackles were the most by any player in a World Cup final since Gennaro Gattuso in 2006 (15).

What’s next for Fernandez? The Argentine superstar is likely to do his best to cut out the hype over his possible departure and focus on domestic affairs with Benfica, as they head back into Friday’s La Liga clash against Braga.

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