Enzo Fernandez has agreed to join Chelsea (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Chelsea have opened discussions with Benfica for the transfer of Enzo Fernandez after the Argentine agreed to move to Stamford Bridge.

The midfielder starred for his country as Lionel Messi guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar earlier this month.

Fernandez, 21, 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.

Liverpool and Manchester United have both 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.

Fernandez has a £106m release clause (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

They therefore believe they can use Fernandez’s agreement to negotiate a lower price and 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.

MORE : Chelsea now confident N’Golo Kante and Jorginho will sign new contracts

MORE : Jurgen Klopp claims struggling Liverpool star Darwin Nunez can be the next Robert Lewandowski

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