Chelsea Transfer News: Alex Witsel To Reject Stamford Bridge

By Matt Robinson / July 11, 2012

After weeks of speculation leaving him with a move away from Portugal, Axel Witsel is now looking set to stay at Benfica, shunning reported interest from Chelsea and Manchester United. Caughtoffside.comreports news from Portugese newspaper Record that the 23-year-old midfielder is happy at Benfica and wouldn€™t want to move to the Premier League. The club€™s director of football, Rui Costa has been keen to keep the young player at the Estádio da Luz, regardless of interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. In an interview with the newspaper, Portugal legend Costa has suggested that the player is going nowhere:

€œWitsel plays for Benfica. He is doing pre-season training, and we look forward to the Eusebio Cup (a pre-season tournament) €“ not the transfer market.€

Witsel played a huge part in Benfica€™s Champions League campaign last season and was involved in 10 European games. Having been in the Champions League spotlight increased the interest from Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid. Even though all clubs are reportedly extremely interested in the player, staff around him are certain he will stay at the club and not be tempted by Premier League or La Liga football.