Benfica boss Roger Schmidt has sent Chelsea a fiery message amid the Blues' pursuit of star Enzo Fernandez, saying: "It's disrespectful against all of us, against Benfica and I cannot accept what they are doing."
Owner Todd Boehly and his fellow Chelsea chiefs have been busy during the early days of the January transfer window attempting to secure a mega-money deal for the 21-year-old midfielder, who has a release clause worth £106million.
But as the Blues are unable to stump up that much cash in a lump sum, Boehly and co have attempted to negotiate a higher overall fee, believed to be £112m, which would be paid in instalments. Stamford Bridge officials are also reported to have agreed personal terms with Fernandez, turning his focus towards west London and away from Lisbon, where he only arrived from River Plate six months ago and signed a deal until 2027.
