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Chelsea could miss out on signing Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez after refusing to trigger the release clause in his contract.
The Argentine recently emerged as the top target for the Blues and it was claimed that they were prepared to meet the €120m buy-out clause.
However, the Blues are now reluctant to pay more than €90m. This has apparently pulled the plug on the negotiations between the clubs.
While Chelsea want to pay €90m over four seasons, Benfica are adamant that Fernandez won’t be leaving them unless the release clause is triggered.
Fernandez has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea, but Benfica are quite clear that they want the entire fee paid in one instalment.
This makes a winter deal practically impossible for the Blues, considering they are already at risk of facing Financial Fair Play sanctions.
Chelsea may now have to look elsewhere to bolster their midfield. They could revive their interest in signing Ajax star Edson Alvarez.