Chelsea could look to sell midfielder Andrey Santos this summer, with the Blues reportedly open to selling the 22-year-old Brazilian, as a number of clubs are monitoring him. The need to reshape the middle of the park has cast further doubt over a player Stamford Bridge still hold in high regard.
Santos, who has only recently established himself as a regular under the previous regime, is not looking for the exit door, and neither are Chelsea pushing him out. But the numbers game is increasingly working against him. Chelsea have too many bodies for too few positions in midfield, a problem that is compounded significantly by the club’s lack of European football next season.
It’s more than just squad depth. Chelsea remain interested in Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka, and Valentin Barco will be coming in from Strasbourg, which could let Santos go. There is the extra complication in the premium market for a proper number six, and Chelsea will weigh up whether to sell an asset they can market or keep faith in a homegrown project.
Santos joined from Vasco da Gama in January 2023, then endured loan spells Nottingham Forest and then Strasbourg, before making himself a mainstay in west London. The Rio de Janeiro native is tied down until 30 June 2030, meaning Chelsea have a strong position in negotiations. They have already rejected a bid of over £40 million.
For Santos, the key is game time at an important stage of his development. Neither party is rushing to make a decision, and how much he features in the future might ultimately determine it.
Reports claim Enzo Fernandez uncertainty makes Chelsea’s midfield puzzle more complicated
Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernandez’s future is now in doubt, making the Blues’ already crowded engine room an even trickier proposition. His agent hinted that Real Madrid had enquired about the Argentine, but the Spanish giants have insisted that they have no intentions of signing the midfielder.
Chelsea are said to be asking around £120 million for Fernandez, a sum that would free up a midfield spot and potentially provide more money to spend on further strengthening. If the World Cup winner leaves, the reshuffle could either clear the way for Santos or accelerate his own departure.
Fernandez remains firmly in Chelsea’s plans, on paper at least, and had a fruitful individual campaign. Chelsea’s summer is shaping up to be one of late movement before the window slams shut with Xhaka in the crosshairs and other names buzzing around.