Benfica requested Chelsea include Champions League winning midfielder in deal for Enzo Fernandez

Photo: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

According to Portuguese media outlet Record, Benfica requested Chelsea include midfielder Mateo Kovacic in deal for Enzo Fernandez.

Benfica made the request for Kovacic after Chelsea had offered Hakim Ziyech in the deal for Fernandez.

The report also adds Benfica then dropped interest in Kovacic after they found out it will be difficult for them to afford the salary of the Chelsea midfielder.

Chelsea were involved in tense negotiations with Benfica for several weeks for the transfer of Fernandez before the Blues eventually reached an agreement with Benfica to sign the midfielder for €121million.