Benfica manager Roger Schmidt does not believe Enzo Fernandez will join Chelsea this month.
The Blues have revived their interest in their top target after failing earlier in the summer. The Blues have already spent £420m on transfers this season by spreading payments across long-term contracts, but Chelsea would have to pay the full £106million release clause up front, prompting Financial Fair Play concerns.
Schmidt declared the first round of talks “closed” on January 9 and accused the Blues of driving their star man “crazy” after he missed two training sessions to try to force a deal through.
And now Schmidt expects Chelsea's new pursuit to also prove unsuccessful. Asked if Fernandez will be a Benfica player after the transfer window, the Benfica manager told reporters: "Yes, of course.
"When you see Enzo playing for Benfica you can tell he's in shape and happy. He's not thinking about anything else.
"I'm not expecting to lose any of our regular starters. I see the players concentrated and I hope this continues."
