Report: Chelsea discussing deal for World Cup star Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea have opened talks with Benfica over the potential signing of World Cup star Enzo Fernandez but may have to meet his €120-million release clause to broker a deal, according to The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano and Ed Aarons.

The 2022 World Cup winner, who was voted the best young player at the tournament, is the Blues' main transfer target in January as the club tries to refresh Graham Potter's midfield. Liverpool and Manchester United are also interested but have yet to submit offers for the Argentinian, Romano understands.

It could be a busy transfer window for Chelsea. They struck a deal to sign striker David Datro Fofana from Molde on Wednesday, and a €35-million transfer for defender Benoit Badiashile from Monaco is reportedly close.

Fernandez only joined Benfica from River Plate for an initial €10-million fee in June, but his performances in the Champions League and at the World Cup have significantly boosted his valuation. Chelsea hope committing to a significant initial fee for Fernandez will encourage Benfica to sell, but his massive release clause and long-term contract that runs until 2027 puts the Portuguese club in a strong position.

Benfica released a statement Thursday disputing claims that Rui Costa, the club president who has 94 Portugal caps, said Fernandez's release clause must be met. However, Benfica indicated they'd only entertain a move for the 21-year-old when the 2022-23 campaign is over.

"SL Benfica clarifies that at no time did the President of the Club, Rui Costa, utter the words that are being disseminated in Italy by DAZN," read the statement. "Sport Lisboa e Benfica reiterates its intention to count on the player Enzo Fernandez until the end of the season."