Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea Slammed by Benfica Boss for Approaching Star

• Benfica coach Roger Schmidt called Chelsea disrespectful for approaching Enzo Fernandez
• Schmidt claims Benfica does not want to sell the midfielder, but Chelsea is being persistent
• Fernandez’s value has sky-rocketed following a successful 2022 World Cup with Argentina

Chelsea have been branded 'disrespectful' by Benfica head coach, Roger Schmidt for their unrelenting pursuit of Argentine midfielder, Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez has attracted interest from Stamford Bridge, after some solid performances enabled Argentina to win a first World Cup since 1986.

The midfielder has a massive £105-million buyout clause, which Chelsea has been unable to negotiate down.

Instead, Benfica insist they want cash up-front, and the Blues’ attempts to include cash and a player for Enzo have proven futile.

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Amid the storm surrounding his future, The Sun reports that Enzo has reportedly told the Portuguese club he wants to leave, much to the discontent of Schmidt.

The Benfica tactician slammed Chelsea for their approach, as he accused the Premier League giants of 'turning the head' of his star player, calling it disrespectful to the entire club.

"And I cannot accept what they are doing. They know we don't want to sell the player, they tried to get the player on their side, and they know they can only get this player when they pay the clause. So it's a very clear situation for what the club is doing, who want to buy Enzo."

Among the players Chelsea attempted to include in the deal is Hakim Ziyech who, despite a solid World Cup campaign with Morocco, is still out of favour at Stamford Bridge.

Renown Portuguese publication Record claims the London outfit initially offered £75m; a sum that was propped up with Ziyech to try to entice Benfica.

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Chelsea confirm first major signing

Sports Brief also reported on Chelsea’s first signing of January - Benoit Badiashile from Monaco - in a £34m deal.

The Blues are keen to bolster their squad during the January transfer window, following their struggles in the first half of the season.

The signing of Badiashile is expected to give Potter more options on the left flank, especially in the absence of the injured Reece James.