Enzo Fernandez is reportedly forcing Benfica to sell him to Chelsea by refusing to play in their game against Portimonense on Friday evening.
The Blues are understood to have made a £112million offer to the Portuguese club for their World Cup winning midfielder.
The current offer is above his £106m buy out clause but would be paid in three instalments of £37.3m over three years - making him the most expensive signing in Premier League history.
The 21-year-old had already angered his club by defying orders not to fly back to Argentina and has also infuriated supporters by going home to celebrate New Years and missing two training sessions.
Fernandez has now even taken things one step further by telling Benfica president Rui Costa that he doesn't want to play in Friday evening's Primeria Liga fixture, according to Portuguese newspaper outlet Ojogo.
Fernandez initially returned from his heroics in Qatar, where he helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup last week to feature in Benfica's 3-0 Liga NOS defeat to Braga.
He then opted to fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina, following the Braga game to spend the New Year with his family, despite not receiving permission from the club.
Portuguese outlet Record previously reported that Fernandez was not present for either of Benfica's two sessions on Monday and could even be handed a 'heavy fine' for breaching disciplinary regulations.
Benfica manager Roger Schmidt confirmed there would be 'no exceptions' for players travelling during New Year after Fernandez jetted back home.
'We are a professional football team, the rules are for all players,' Schmidt said.
'It is very important for all players to rest between games, to be ready for the next game. There are no exceptions to that.'
Benfica have insisted all along they do not wish to sell Fernandez during the January window and have also offered him an improved contract.
The club have recognised the World Cup winner's head has been turned by the attraction of moving to London in a lucrative deal.