Enzo Fernandez misses double Benfica training session as Chelsea transfer talks continue

Enzo Fernandez has left Benfica fuming after ignoring advice not to travel to Argentina for New Year celebrations which will now see him disciplined as a result of missing training, according to reports.

Fernandez, 21, is on Chelsea‘s radar and has agreed personal terms with the Blues ahead of a January transfer. However, talks between the clubs are still ongoing.

Benfica are holding out for the full £105 million release clause to be activated, while Chelsea wish to do a deal which will see them pay a fee in excess of the release clause but in instalments.

The Portuguese side have been claimed to be willing to soften their stance and negotiate this month to allow Fernandez, who only joined last summer from River Plate.

Fernandez featured against Braga on Friday but flew to Argentina for New Year celebrations, but didn’t have the permission of the club, as reported by Record Portugal.

He will now be disciplined after breaching the club’s rules to fly to Buenos Aires which saw him miss their double training session on Monday.

According to The Sun, Roger Schmidt advised the midfielder not to leave for his homeland but the advice was ignored.

Benfica have told him to return immediately, however it remains unclear if this was a ploy to push through a transfer to Chelsea this month.

Graham Potter remained coy on any new signings this month following the arrival of David Datro Fofana.

“It’s part of the season we all have to deal with, so I’m not complaining about it,” responded Potter to the transfer speculation.

“They are human beings and while the window is open, there is noise and 24-hour media that has to be filled with something.

“The January window gives people an opportunity to speak about things, so it’s normal. It’s part of modern-day football and we have to deal with it.”