Portuguese press reports revealed that Chelsea is preparing a club record bid for Argentina star Enzo Fernandez during the winter transfer market, after his top performance during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after young midfielders in the game amid a thrilling first season in Europe with Benfica having also played a key role in his country’s World Cup success in Qatar. According to the "Record" newspaper, Benfica is awaiting an offer from Chelsea, at a value of 130 million euros, for Fernandez to join the Blues during the winter Mercato. The player has a €120m (£106m) release clause in his deal with Benfica and reports in Portugal claimed last week that the club has already turned down a €100m (£88.4m) offer, adamant he will only leave if his release clause is met. Chelsea wants to strengthen its ranks, after the team's weak start at the English Premier League, in addition to the departure of German coach Thomas Tuchel.