Report: Club president is urging 21-year-old not to join Chelsea, says they’re too low in the Premier League

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Benfica’s president has reportedly presented Chelsea’s Premier League position as the reason why Enzo Fernandez should not join them in January.

According to the Times, Rui Costa recently met with Fernandez in order to persuade him not to set sail for Stamford Bridge next month.

Costa apparently pointed towards the league status of Graham Potter’s squad and their risk of missing out on Champions League football as a massive factor behind staying put at Benfica until at least the summer.

Potter’s side currently perch in eighth place after 15 matches, five points behind the European places.

Tuesday’s confident victory over Bournemouth will have boosted the mood around the Cobham, following such a fumble heading into the World Cup.

Optimism around the club will only increase further if Todd Boehly can somehow orchestra a transfer for Fernandez in the coming weeks.

Will Enzo Fernandez fall for Chelsea?

Yet, Costa has a right to highlight Chelsea’s domestic status, especially compared to those who presently employ the player.

Benfica are top of their respective division, with a decent buffer between them and second-placed Porto.

They are also still in the Champions League and could be in with a strong shout of reaching the quarter finals thanks to their tie against Club Brugge in February.

Roger Schmidt’s side have the Taca de Portugal to contest as well, a local cup competition that can be compared to the FA Cup.

A trophy which, along with the Carabao Cup, might be out of Chelsea hands already, thanks to Manchester City.

However, Fernandez is said to be on board with the idea of joining Chelsea, despite all the caveats surrounding the team.

It might just come down to the figure Boehly is prepared to ship out for the World Cup winner.

As spenders go, the American isn’t averse to splashing the cash.