Chelsea could have been handed a significantly cheaper route to Gabriel Bontempo after Santos reportedly set €12million as the figure from which they would consider opening negotiations for the Brazil midfielder.
The 21-year-old has been monitored by Chelsea’s ownership group BlueCo, with RTI Esporte reporting in July that he had been added to the group’s list of emerging South American targets.
No Chelsea proposal has been confirmed.
However, the financial picture surrounding Bontempo has now changed substantially.
Santos set new Bontempo reference price
Reporting attributed to ESPN Brazil journalist Bruno Andrade says Santos are prepared to begin discussions at approximately €12m (£10.4m).
That is notably lower than the figure attached to Bontempo earlier this summer.
RTI Esporte previously reported that Santos wanted €49m when Bayern Munich showed interest, after the German club had indicated it could offer around €32m.
The new €12m figure should not be treated as a formal release clause or guaranteed selling price. Santos have denied establishing an official minimum, but Brazilian reports describe it as an internal reference for starting negotiations.
Bontempo has strengthened his reputation considerably since then.
The midfielder has recorded five goals and four assists in 42 appearances during 2026, having established himself in Santos’ senior side.
His progress was rewarded last week when Carlo Ancelotti handed him his first senior Brazil call-up for the upcoming internationals against Australia and India. The Brazilian FA officially listed Bontempo among six midfielders selected.
Earlier reports around Chelsea’s interest also raised the possibility of Bontempo initially developing elsewhere within the BlueCo network rather than moving directly into the Stamford Bridge first team.
There is currently no evidence that Chelsea have opened negotiations.
But for a player already on BlueCo’s radar, becoming a full Brazil international while Santos reportedly lower the financial barrier to talks makes Bontempo an increasingly interesting name to watch.
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