Chelsea and Brazil stars Andrey Santos and Estevao celebrate at Stamford Bridge.placeholder image
Chelsea and Brazil stars Andrey Santos and Estevao celebrate at Stamford Bridge. | Getty Images
Chelsea had two bids rejected for a surprise star during the summer transfer window
Chelsea were one of the expert selling clubs of the summer transfer window. Nevertheless, there were some stars who head coach Enzo Maresca viewed as off limits to sell over the summer.
Over 20 players departed the club for a total of £288.87million as Chelsea continued their impressive recent record of buying and selling on young players for a handsome profit to steer clear of PSR and UEFA issues.
Meanwhile, several big-money stars signed for the club - such as Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens - as Maresca focused especially on improving his attacking options with the aim of mounting a title push to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.
Maresca avoided making further unwanted sales this summer, though, as reports have emerged that the Blues rejected two separate bids for a young star who will look to make his mark on the first team at Stamford Bridge this season. He evidently has the Italian’s full backing to do so.
Chelsea rejected two huge bids for Andrey Santos
Reported by The Mirror, Chelsea received two massive bids for Andrey Santos over the summer but firmly rejected all approaches for the 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder.
‘I declined because of my dream’ - Santos on why he chose to stay
Santos told Trivela of his decision to stay at Chelsea: “The offer did arrive, but I immediately declined because of my dream and main goal, which is the World Cup. I know that being at Chelsea and in the Premier League gives me better chances than in Saudi Arabia. That was the main factor in my response to them.
“I really enjoy playing defensive midfielder, I even think it’s my main position, because I grew up as a defensive midfielder. But when I moved up to Vasco, it was as a defensive midfielder. At Chelsea, I play a bit further forward, but I feel comfortable playing in both positions.”
Head coach Maresca said of Santos’ role within the squad this season: "First of all, I am very happy with Andrey and the idea that Andrey stays here with us. He can play in Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo's positions for sure. He played one game in the Club World Cup against Palmeiras where he was very good as a number six. So he can play in both positions very well."
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