Chelsea ‘to trigger £105m Fernandez clause’ months after City snubbed bargain

Chelsea are reportedly ready to trigger Benfica star Enzo Fernandez's £105million release clause just months after Manchester City could've signed him for a bargain price.

City were in pole position to sign the 21-year-old when he was still at River Plate earlier this year. In the summer, the midfielder was worth less than £15m.

But that was before his stellar performances at the World Cup for tournament winners Argentina, which has seen his stock rise. And with his contract ending in 2027, Benfica aren't willing to let him leave unless his staggering release clause is met.

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However, Chelsea aren't phased by Fernandez's hefty price tag and have already expressed their desire to meet Benfica's demands during a meeting with the club's president Rui Costa, and super-agent Jorge Mendes, according to the Evening Standard.

But the Blues will have to fend off interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool who are also in the hunt for Fernandez, as both sides look to mount a challenge for a top-four spot in the second half of the season.

The Blues' interest in Fernandez comes after reports claimed they're also plotting to launch a loan bid for Atletico Madrid ace Joao Felix in January.

Graham Potter's side would like to haul in Felix until the end of the season, and then make his switch permanent.

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Chelsea desperately need attacking reinforcements following Armando Broja's ACL injury that will keep him sidelined until the end of the season. And they've also been looking at Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic along with Felix.

The arrival of Felix will set the stage for RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku who's agreed to join the West London outfit for £50m when the season ends. The flurry of transfer activity at Stamford Bridge is good news for fans who were dealt a blow following Reece James' injury setback earlier this week.

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