Real Madrid, Barcelona watching €120 million-rated Chelsea midfield target from Benfica

According to reports from Record Portugal, Real Madrid are very attentive to the situation of the Argentine phenom. However, they are not alone as Barcelona and Chelsea are closely monitoring his availability too.

There is no doubt about it: Real Madrid's midfield transfer strategy is hazy. Both Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have a cloud over their futures after supporting the squad for more than ten years, and Real Madrid is focused on finding a replacement.

The club's top summer transfer target is Jude Bellingham, and the Merengues are willing to make him their most significant purchase in recent memory. He is thought of as the seasoned Croat's replacement.

However, if Toni Kroos decides to put up his boots at the conclusion of the season, they will go for another top youth target. In the next month, the German is anticipated to decide.

Record Portugal claims that Real Madrid is keeping a close eye on the Argentine phenom's predicament. They are not the only ones, though, as Chelsea and Barcelona are also keeping a close eye on his availability.

Benfica won't consider any bids below his €120 million release clause. The Bernabeu offices deem that price to be extremely excessive, but Chelsea is prepared to pay €100 million and provide players in exchange, and this within the current transfer window.

In the FIFA World Cup his side won last year, Fernandez was one of Argentina's finest players. He was then named the competition's top young player, which caused his stock to rocket to new heights.

The midfielder was the match-winner in his most recent Primeira Liga encounter against Santa Clara with two assists, 125 touches, and an incredible 20 defensive stops. It goes without saying that he is the total deal.

Real Madrid's interest, however, may not really result in a deal at this time because Chelsea is working tirelessly to bring in Fernandez before the January transfer window shuts.

Even if the midfielder stays at Benfica through the summer, Los Blancos may struggle to come up with the money to sign both Bellingham and him, the team's top priority.