Despite all eyes as far as Chelsea are concerned being on the upcoming Premier League game against Arsenal, they have also been busy completing business off the pitch too.
The Blues recently reached an agreement to sign Dario Essugo from Sporting Lisbon, with him currently playing on loan at Las Palmas in Spain.
This is after agreeing a big-money deal for Geovany Quenda, with the youth-led project at Stamford Bridge showing no signs of slowing down under Todd Boehly and co.
Essugo will not leave on loan when he joins the club, adding his name to the very impressive list of midfielders that Chelsea will have at their disposal to play at Stamford Bridge next season.
Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Andrey Santos wants first team minutes next season
Another player who is set to join the available options is Andrey Santos, who will finally get his chance at Chelsea after consecutive loan spells with Strasbourg.
Chelsea believe Santos will be key under Enzo Maresca, and the Brazilian has proven himself to be ready for the opportunity with a stellar season in France.
Andrey Santos Ligue 1 stats Total
Games 23
Goals 7
Pass Accuracy 88%
Tackles 56
Duels Won 167
Recoveries 144
Santos is amongst the best in his position for his age in world football right now, and there is reason to be excited that he can have a similar impact in West London.
However, the signing of Essugo adds more competition to a role that already sees Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia competing for limited positions.
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According to Simon Phillips, sources close to Santos insist that the midfielder wants to be playing regularly next season, something which could be an issue at Stamford Bridge based on the options available.
Photo by Lyndsay Radnedge/ISI Photos/Getty Images
Photo by Lyndsay Radnedge/ISI Photos/Getty Images
He said: “Santos sources tell me he wants to be an important player wherever he plays next season and get regular minutes in the league. What could possibly go wrong here?”
Andrey Santos’ tremendous season
The young midfielder has come on leaps and bounds in the 2024/25 season. Santos has even captained Strasbourg on occasion, after earning the admiration of manager Liam Rosenior.
The 20-year-old will have been close to an international call-up ahead of the upcoming fixtures, however just missed out on selection.
He would have joined fellow Brazilian Estevao Willian in the first team squad, another player who is expected to be in Chelsea’s plans as soon as next season.
Even Estevao will likely be looking over his shoulder at new players coming in though. Quenda is expected to play a similar role on the right wing that the Palmeiras man plays for his club.