Arsenal are reportedly working on signing Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos to strengthen their squad with the Brazilian shining in France.
According to Le 10 Sport, Arsenal are one of the clubs working to get a deal done for 21-year-old forgotten Chelsea prodigy, Andrey Santos. The Brazilian midfielder has been having a top-notch season in France while on loan to Strasbourg, as his future at Stamford Bridge remains on uncertain terms despite a long-term contract in place.
Chelsea are finally showing signs of success in their decisions to hand young talents some of the longest deals in world football. Many of their existing stars are on seven or eight-year deals, including the likes of Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo.
At first, they were somewhat ridiculed for the idea of handing such deals, but with some of their players, the idea seems to be blossoming. For instance, 21-year-old forgotten Chelsea prodigy Andrey Santos has been having a terrific season in France with the Blues’ sister club Strasbourg, notching nine goals in 31 league appearances this season from a central midfield position, and the tenure in his deal does put the Blues in a strong negotiating position.
He already has around eight clubs making enquiries to Chelsea, as the Brazilian’s future at Stamford Bridge remains on uncertain terms. Despite a successful season in France, the midfielder will start the new season behind Caicedo, Fernandez, and the injury-prone Romeo Lavia in the pecking order, which does not read for a promising role in Enzo Maresca’s team.
Arsenal are one of the clubs credited with an interest in the midfielder, with the report stating that the Gunners are working hard to get a deal done for the midfielder. The North Londoners will be faced with the difficult prospect of signing the 21-year-old forgotten Chelsea prodigy as convincing their London rivals will be the most difficult part, although they have shown in the past a deal between the two clubs remains possible.
Andrey Santos could shine at Arsenal
Arsenal are already close to signing Martin Zubimendi as a potential replacement for Jorginho for next season. There might still be an opening of sorts in their midfield should Thomas Partey leave, which might let Mikel Arteta use a player like Santos more efficiently in the squad.
Santos could thrive in this Arsenal side if given the right opportunities, and Arteta might like his goalscoring prowess from a midfield position. It remains to be seen whether the Gunners can convince Chelsea of a deal for the young midfielder, as the Blues will certainly demand a significant fee in return for the Brazilian.