Benfica manager Roger Schmidt has closed the door on a potential exit for Chelsea-linked midfielder Enzo Fernandez in the January transfer window.
The Argentina international has established a reputation as one of the most sought-after young players in Europe after being named the best young player of the 2022 World Cup.
Fernandez scored one goal and set up one more as Argentina were crowned world champions for the third time in their history, and he has shone for Benfica since joining from River Plate in the summer.
The 21-year-old's form is understood to have attracted the attention of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Liverpool, the former of whom pushed hard to sign Fernandez in the winter market.
Fernandez is claimed to have agreed personal terms with Graham Potter's side, but he remains under contract at Benfica until 2027 and would not be allowed to leave for anything other than his £112m release clause.
© Reuters
While the Blues are said to have shown a willingness to pay the fee, their desire to fork out the amount in instalments irked Benfica, and talks subsequently reached a standstill.
Now, Benfica boss Schmidt has ruled out the possibility of Fernandez leaving the club during the current window, claiming that the South American is "happy" in Lisbon.
"The Enzo story is closed, there's nothing left. He's our player. He's in a good position, Enzo is happy, training well, he's part of the team. He's a key player. That's all," the Benfica manager told reporters.
Fernandez has three goals and five assists to show from 25 games in a Benfica shirt, although he was dropped from the squad for their meeting with Portimonense on Friday after missing training.
Chelsea will therefore be forced to look elsewhere in their search for midfield reinforcements during the winter window, having seen Jorginho and N'Golo Kante enter the final six months of their contracts.
© Reuters
Both players are understood to be in talks with the Blues over renewals, though, and 18-year-old Andrey Santos has joined from Vasco da Gama this month, but he is expected to be sent out on loan.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo has seemingly been earmarked as Chelsea's top alternative option, although Liverpool are also chasing the Ecuadorian starlet.
Potter also has Denis Zakaria, Conor Gallagher, Mateo Kovacic, Carney Chukwuemeka and Ruben Loftus-Cheek at his disposal, while attacker David Datro Fofana and defender Benoit Badiashile have followed Santos to Stamford Bridge this month.
Chelsea will be aiming to recover from their humiliating FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City when they tackle Fulham in Thursday's Premier League West London derby.
