Benfica manager Roger Schmidt has hit out at Chelsea for their attempts to sign midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
After starring for World Cup champions Argentina, clubs all over Europe have been chasing for his signature from Benfica, with Manchester United and Liverpool among those linked.
However, multiple reports have claimed that Chelsea are set to win the race to sign Fernandez, with the £120 million buy out clause set to be paid.
Despite making several signings in the summer, Chelsea have struggled so far this season, sitting in 10th place ahead of tonight's game against Manchester City.
Midfield has been a particular area of concern. N'golo Kante has struggled with injuries and is likely approaching the end of his time with the club. While Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic haven't hit form this season.
In this period of transition for Chelsea, it would be an exceptional move to sign the Benfica midfielder.
While he signed resigned to losing Fernandez, Benfica manager Roger Schmidt has accused Chelsea of trying to turn the player against the club in an attempt to sign him.
Fernandez has a €120 million release clause. According to Schmidt, they said they would pay it, got the player to agree to personal terms and unsettled him, then tried to negotiate down the price.
Benfica coach fuming. pic.twitter.com/kZjTQYV25h
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They tried to get the player on their side, and they know they can only get this player when they pay the clause. So it's a very clear situation.
What the club is doing, who wants to buy Enzo, is disrespectful against all of us. Against Benfica, and I can not accept what they are doing. To pretend they can pay the cause and then negotiate is not what I understand about good relationships between clubs who want to discuss about a player.
That's what I can say about the topic about Enzo, I will not answer further questions."
Some serious accusations thrown by the Benfica boss, who will have seen all these tricks before from clubs.
Benfica have sold their best players in the past for big money, including to Chelsea. However, these tactics by Chelsea will not reflect well on the club, who are sure to be busy in the market.
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