According to The Times, Benfica have told Chelsea to improve the offer for Argentina international Enzo Fernandez to at least €120 million (about £105.5 million) if the Blues are serious about signing the midfielder.

The release clause in Enzo’s Benfica’s contract is €120million and the Portuguese club insisted Chelsea meet the full value of the release clause during overnight negotiations in London on Tuesday.

Benfica are reportedly not happy with Chelsea’s negotiating tactics, saying the latest bid represents a reduction on an informal offer made in Lisbon during Christmas week.

Chelsea verbally agreed to pay the €120million release clause for Fernandez but reportedly submitted a bid way less than the release clause with some reports claiming Chelsea’s offer was around €85million.

Benfica’s president reacted to Chelsea’s proposal by attempting to persuade Fernandez to stay until the end of a campaign which promises a first Liga Portugal title in four years. 

Fernandez has made it clear to Benfica that he wants to join Chelsea this January and does not want to wait until the end of the season.