Chelsea are again pushing to sign the Argentina international and have launched a £105m offer to the 22-year-old after a series of meetings on Monday.
The bid meets the World Cup winner’s buy-out clause, though Chelsea have offered to stagger the fee rather than make a single payment. At this stage, it remains unclear as to whether or not Benfica will accept such terms.
The Blues have made the midfielder their priority between now and the end of the window, having seen their initial attempts to sign Fernandez stall earlier this month.
Benfica have frequently criticised Chelsea’s approach but have now admitted they will need to find “solutions” should Fernandez leave the Portuguese capital.
“While the transfer windows are open, we have to be prepared for anything,” Schmidt told Record.
“We all know that there is this situation with Enzo, who has a release clause and, if there is a club that pays it, it is a lot of money, we cannot prevent it.
“If that happens, we will have to be prepared and find solutions.
“At the moment, Enzo is still our player and we’ll see what happens until the end of the market. When the transfer window closes I will be very happy, we will be able to focus completely again on playing in the best way until the end of the season.”
A blockbuster move British record move for Fernandez could see Conor Gallagher leave Stamford Bridge.
Everton have made an offer for the England international, while Crystal Palace and Newcastle remain interested.
