Reports that Benfica are ready to sell Enzo Fernandez in January are “totally false”, the club have stated.
Chelsea are joined by Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal in chasing a deal for the World Cup winner whose £105million release clause has raised hopes of a January transfer.
Benfica president Rui Costa even suggested they would sell Fernandez next month if it “pleases” the player, however the comments have been strongly refuted by the Portuguese club.
A statement read: “SL Benfica clarifies that at no time did the President of the Club, Rui Costa, utter the words that are being disseminated in Italy by DAZN.
“Sport Lisboa e Benfica reiterates its intention to count on the player Enzo Fernandez until the end of the season.”
A club source described the comments to newspaper O Jogo as “totally false”.
It was claimed Rui Costa had said: “We don’t want to give up Enzo Fernandez in January, but we are willing to please the boy in the event of a €120million offer.”
Nonetheless, Benfica manager Roger Schmidt has said his club will have to “respect” Fernandez’s wishes if a bid lands for the Argentina midfielder.
“I can’t reveal those conversations,” Schmidt said via Record when asked about his discussions with Fernandez.
“When I talk to the players, these are things I keep to myself. What I can say is what I’ve already said. We all know what football is like.
“These young people have opportunities, and it’s not just about Enzo. If they have opportunities, they have to make decisions, and I respect them.
“I can advise them, but they only have one career. If I can convince them or influence them in a certain way, I try to do it, but I accept their decisions.”
