The Champions League

Benfica offer Enzo Fernandez pay rise amid interest from Chelsea

Benfica have made an attempt to retain the services of Enzo Fernandez in the meantime by offering him an improved deal, according to The Times.

Despite only moving to Benfica six months ago, the ex-River Plate man has caught the eye of several top clubs in Europe off the back of an excellent World Cup campaign.

Fernandez played a key role en route to his nation’s triumph in Qatar and deservingly came away with the Young Player of the Tournament award, fending off competition from the likes of Julian Alvarez and Josko Gvardiol.

English giants Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United have already linked with a potential swoop for the midfielder, while Real Madrid are also believed to hold an interest.

Shortly after reporting for duty yesterday following an 11-day break since the World Cup final, Fernandez met with the Benfica president Rui Costa, who had earlier ruled out a sale for the 21-year-old unless his release clause was met.

“We have the sole objective of having a winning season, and no player will leave unless it is due to the clause, which at this moment is fundamental for the squad,” Costa was quoted saying by Metro.  

However, with Chelsea reportedly prepared to trigger the Argentinian’s mammoth €120million release clause, his current employers have now taken steps to ward off any interest from their Premier League counterparts.

Benfica have offered to improve Fernandez’s contract by a further €8 million in performance-related add-ons. The Primeira Liga outfit also want to increase his release clause by €80m but would be prepared to let him leave should the new fee be met.

Having only just sold Darwin Nunez to Liverpool last summer for a deal potentially rising up to €100m, Benfica could be set for yet another windfall either in January or next summer.

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