Boss hints £106M star has made decision ‘and wants to leave’ to join Chelsea as player flying to London for medical in the coming days.

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt has hinted Enzo Fernandez wants to leave Benfica with Chelsea looking to wrap up a transfer deal.

The January window is not officially open just yet – but that has not stopped all the speculation and all the rumours about the players that could be heading to Stamford Bridge over the next few months.

And after a stunning world cup in Qatar – in which he helped Argentina bring home the trophy – Fernandez is a player that Ted Boehly and Graham Potter seemingly want to bring to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have held talks with Benfica over a move, but the Portuguese giants have been adamant the midfielder will stay unless his €120million (£106m) release clause is met.

Fernandez has just returned to Lisbon following Argentina’s celebrations with Benfica resuming their campaign against Braga on Friday – and speaking ahead of that game, Benfica boss Schmidt was asked if had pleaded with Fernandez to remain at the club until the end of the season.

‘I can’t reveal those conversations,’ Schmidt said, Record report.

‘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’.

As speculation is ongoing, Chelsea representative are to meet with Benfica today since Enzo Fernandez is ready to leave for Chelsea and possibly arriving on sealing the deal. Enzo Fernandez is expected to fly to London in coming days for medical after today’s negotiations and agreement reached.

Once a player’s head has been turned by all the speculation and all the rumours – it is very hard for him to start thinking about staying – if he wants that move to Stamford Bridge, then it will be down to Chelsea to pay.

Otherwise, he will have to stay until the end of the season – which we believe may be the best thing for the player