ENZO FERNANDEZ appeared to end any Chelsea transfer speculation after passionately celebrating a goal on his return to Benfica.
The Argentinian World Cup winner has been subject to heavy interest from the Blues, following his breakout performances in Qatar.
Fernandez, 21, was even left out of Benfica’s 1-0 win over Portimonense last Friday amid Chelsea’s pursuit of the player.
But the midfielder returned in a cup match against Varzim, scoring on 78 minutes as the game ended 2-0.
And Fernandez gave the biggest hint yet that he is not leaving after pointing to the Benfica badge and ground, insinuating he is staying put.
Chelsea were at loggerheads with the Portuguese giants as they refused to pay the playmaker’s £105million release clause and failed in their bid to negotiate.
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And Benfica manager Roger Schmidt ruled out Fernandez leaving just a day before his return to the starting XI.
Schmidt said: “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.”
Chelsea have now turned their attention to Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, 23.
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Felix has agreed to move to Stamford Bridge on a six-month loan, worth £10m, despite interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
Chelsea have also signed defender Benoit Badiashile, 21, attacker David Datro Fofana, 20, and 18-year-old midfielder Andrey Santos this month.
But Chelsea boss Graham Potter could be ready to sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 33, who was signed by previous boss Thomas Tuchel.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
