Benfica star midfielder Enzo Fernandez appears to have hinted at a stay with his current club amid links with a transfer to Chelsea in the January window. The Blues were said to be interested in a move following the Argentinian's impressive displays in the World Cup - where he helped win the competition as well as Young Player of the Tournament.
The initial stance from the Portuguese club was to stick by the fact that the youngster had a £105million release clause in his contract, standing firmly by it. However, it seemed as though Todd Boehly was less keen to do that, given it would have to be paid up front, and looked to pay more, but on more favourable terms - similar to a deal that has seen the club agree a move for RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku.
Discussions seemed to progress until a recent halt, with the valuation held by the west London club changing after Fernandez's desire to make a move. Since then, it appears as though there's little chance of making a move work for the midfielder in the current window, with a strong rebuttal from Benfica.
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Following his return to the first team, Benfica boss Roger Schmidt had his say on the midfielder and a possible transfer, saying: "I can say that I expect Enzo Fernández to stay, so to have Enzo at the end of the market. I never doubted Enzo, his attitude and personality. He's a great person, he's at Benfica, he loves playing for Benfica."
The 21-year-old went on to score on his return to action and seemed to hint at his own transfer stance in his celebration afterwards. Signalling to the fans, he tapped the club's crest on his kit before pointing to the ground, potentially hinting at his desire to stay with them.
It could be a huge blow for Chelsea in their transfer ambitions this month and perhaps beyond then, with the need for further additions in the midfield. There are plenty of twists and turns to come in the transfer window though, so nothing can be written off just yet.
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