Report: Club have refused to talk to Chelsea, after contact made over signing their 'spectacular' player
Reports have claimed that Benfica are refusing to talk to Chelsea anymore over the potential transfer of Enzo Fernandez.
According to the Evening Standard, the Blues’ current efforts to negotiate over the Argentina international are falling on deaf ears in Portugal.
It seems like the Champions League side are adamant that it has to be the release clause if they are to lose the World Cup young player of the tournament this month.
There has been interest from Stamford Bridge ever since the window began, with them looking to beat fellow elite sides to a deal for the highly-promising midfielder.
However, when a bid eventually came in it fell way short of what the Portuguese side were expecting, reportedly infuriating them to not wanting to negotiate further.
This has left Chelsea in a tricky position, where they have been unsure whether to attempt to negotiate further.
Benfica not negotiating over Fernandez
However, the Evening Standard have claimed that Benfica are now not willing to get involved in conversations over a last-minute transfer this month.
Chelsea are reportedly looking elsewhere for a midfield reinforcement this month. They have already had a bid rejected to sign Brighton’s Moises Caicedo this month.
The Ecuadorian was seemingly the player they began to target when they were first found out they may not be able to get the Fernandez deal over the line.
However, difficulties faced with him could see them forced to turn elsewhere if they want to put the final touches on what has been a very strong transfer window.
Despite the additions of Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix and Noni Madueke, a midfielder is certainly something they need to address, especially with the potential of an exodus coming soon.
Jorginho and N’golo Kante both have contracts which expire at the end of the season.
