Benfica boss Roger Schmidt has admitted his side are powerless to keep hold of Enzo Fernandez amid interest from Chelsea.
The Blues are currently in talks with Benfica over the transfer of the midfielder who was part of the Argentina team that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Fernandez, who was named the Best Young Player of the World Cup, has a release clause of £106million in his Benfica contract.
Speaking ahead of his side’s league trip to Braga on Friday, Schmidt revealed that his most talented stars will always be at risk of being sold once the transfer window opens on January 1.
“As for the market, until December 31 we are sure, nobody can come to buy us any player,” he said.
“Now I am focused on Braga, everything else will happen when the market opens. It’s always the same: when you have very talented players, there is a risk of losing them, you have to be prepared. Now the focus is on Braga.”