Andrey Santos has indicated that he wants to form an exciting partnership with fellow Brazilian Estevao Willian at Chelsea. Both players are playing their football away from Stamford Bridge at present, with Santos thriving on loan for Strasbourg in France and Estevao still with Palmeiras prior to making the move to west London this summer.
As Enzo Maresca and Chelsea look to build a team for the future that can compete for top honours on a regular basis, the Brazilian duo could be integral to the club's long-term ambitions. In regards to Santos, the midfielder returned on loan to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg in August and he has earned rave reviews for Liam Rosenior's side after contributing with nine goals and three assists in 26 games.
Amid plenty of calls for the 20-year-old to be recalled at the turn of the year, it will be in the summer when he finally looks to make a name for himself in the Chelsea side. The ex-Nottingham Forest loanee is hopeful that Estevao will be playing alongside him.
"Estevao is a top-quality player, world-class," he said in an interview with ESPN Brasil. "I'm a good friend of Savinho [from Manchester City], he said he's a great person. God willing, he'll go far and we can create a great duo at Chelsea, a duo of Brazilians."
As well as discussing a potential partnership with Estevao, Santos also spoke about his Chelsea future as his Strasbourg loan nears its conclusion. The exciting player wants to become a first-team regular at Stamford Bridge but all will become clear in the months ahead.
"A lot of people send me news [about Chelsea], but I don't think there's anything concrete like that," he explained. "No one has come to me directly and spoken to me. It's in Chelsea's hands, it's in my agents' hands, it's in my hands.
"At the moment I'm focused on these last few games, which are very important for Strasbourg. When the season ends, we'll see what happens, everyone will sit down and talk to make the best decision for both sides."
He added: "Of course you want to play for the biggest clubs in Europe, for a very big club like Chelsea. Of course you dream of that moment, but I think the moment is to have a clear head, finish the season here to make the best choice when the season is over."
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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