All the talk about Chelsea’s transfers is how Todd Boehly has got it wrong, and the need for some older signings this summer is key. But some could leave, like Liam Rosenior favourite Andrey Santos.
Plenty have criticised Chelsea’s approach under Boehly, signing young players and hoping they develop on big contracts. Two more are due to arrive this summer, in duo Emanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda.
But Wayne Rooney made the point on Match of the Day on Saturday. Chelsea need more experience if they are to challenge for the titles and silverware available. However, little focus has been on outgoings.
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Chelsea have already rejected a £40m+ offer!
Certainly, Chelsea will need to move a few on if they are to make new signings, as expected under Boehly. There are a few expected to leave and now, Andrey Santos could be added to the list of possible sales.
Inter Milan in talks to sign Andrey Santos
According to Fabrizio Romano as per CalcioMercato, Santos is a target for Inter Milan this summer. The 21-year-old has become an integral part of this Chelsea side Rosenior was appointed as manager.
How Andrey Santos compares to Moises Caicedo
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Under Enzo Maresca, Santos had to wait for his chance. But reuniting with Rosenior having spent a year together at Strasbourg seemed to do the trick, with the Brazilian often partnering Moises Caicedo.
But the return of Romeo Lavia from injury has complicated things for Santos, with Lavia starting in the 3-0 defeat to Everton. Romano reports that Inter have long shown an interest in the former Vasco player.
While talks have been held during past windows, nothing has materialised. However, with Santos largely a rotational player, Inter fancy their chances again. A Saudi side have already had a £40m+ bid rejected.
What Liam Rosenior said about Santos a fortnight ago
The midfielder, who spent his first season on the Chelsea books on loan at boyhood club Vasco and then a second season with Strasbourg, is being deployed in a deeper role by Rosenior. He is key for transition.
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So much so that both Owen Hargreaves and Rosenior heaped praise on the midfielder in a recent chat. Hargreaves said Santos is “underrated”, while Rosenior claims Santos is “crucial” to this Chelsea squad.
Chelsea have options in midfield, but the question is actually, are any of them good enough to partner Caicedo? Santos is the best of the rest, with Lavia and Dario Essugo only just returning from injury.
As is the way with Chelsea’s players, Santos has a contract until June 2030 and it is possible to imagine a potential loan with an option for Santos if he was to move to Italy. If not, a fee is likely to exceed £50m.
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