Premier League giants Chelsea have beaten rivals Liverpool and Manchester in the race to sign Argentina World Cup hero Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.

National Daily can confirm that the west London club have opened discussions with Benfica for the transfer of Enzo Fernandez after the Argentine agreed to move to Stamford Bridge.

Fernandez shone brilliantly after he starred for his country as Lionel Messi guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar earlier this month.

It was believed that the 21-year-old was already on the radar of top European clubs before his performances at the World Cup but his displays have cemented his status as one of the brightest midfield talents on the globe.

National Daily learnt that both Liverpool and Manchester United have shown interest in Fernandez but have been put off by Benfica’s insistence that he will only be sold if a club activates his £106m release clause

But, after informally contacting the Argentine, Chelsea have convinced the midfielder to move to Stamford Bridge.

They therefore believe they can use Fernandez’s agreement to negotiate a lower price and renowned Italian Sports journalist Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea are now in active talks with Benfica over a transfer.

Graham Potter has identified midfield as an area in need of urgent investment, given the uncertainty over the futures of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho.

Despite a £300m spend in the summer, Todd Boehly has promised more funds to Potter after the Blues’ mixed start to the campaign.