Chelsea consider Enzo Fernandez’s Argentina teammate Alexis Mac Allister as a potential alternative midfield target if they fail to reach an agreement with Benfica, according to TyC Sports.
The Blues are facing resistance from Benfica in their pursuit of Fernandez, who has a release clause reportedly worth €120million (£105m).
After previous failed bids, TyC Sports claims that Chelsea have raised their offer to €100m (£88m) plus some of their players, whose names remain undisclosed, for the 22-year-old.
The report even mentions that Chelsea are also prepared to spend as much as €120m without the inclusion of players in the deal, but only if the payments are made in instalments, rather than up front.
Benfica president Rui Costa is said to be not satisfied with this proposal, however.
So, Chelsea seem to have been left with very few options. Among them is to continue to negotiate with Benfica, or they can identify an alternative target.
As it stands, TyC Sports suggests Chelsea are doing both.
They have not given up on their chase for Fernandez but have also looked at other midfield targets.
The Argentinean outlet claims that Brighton’s Mac Allister is one of Chelsea’s alternative options.
Chelsea eyeing alternative target
Like Fernandez, Mac Allister was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad.
The 24-year-old mostly plays as a number eight at Brighton, but he can also play in a holding midfield role.
The biggest issue that Chelsea might face if they were to make a move for him is that Brighton do not seem to be interested in losing another player after selling Leandro Trossard to Arsenal earlier this month.
Bear in mind, Chelsea are also said to be interested in Mac Allister’s teammate Moises Caicedo and even reportedly submitted a bid for the Ecuador international for it only to be turned down by Brighton.
However, tempting Brighton to sell Mac Allister is likely going to cost significantly less than activating Fernandez’s release clause.
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