Robin Bairner
Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea
© IMAGO
Chelsea could be ready to cash in on a young star who has been dubbed the “best player in the world” by his team-mates.
Andrey Santos is on loan from Chelsea to sister club Strasbourg, with the young Brazilian midfielder impressing greatly as Liam Rosenior’s side chase down Champions League football.
The 20-year-old had been expected to move back to Stamford Bridge in the summer and be given the opportunity of first-team football with Enzo Maresca, yet a string of clubs chasing him could yet see the Blues change their plans.
Roma, Juventus, Napoli, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain all want to sign Andrey Santos, according to Calciomercato.
Chelsea, who have not been actively seeking to sell the in-form star, are willing to listen to offers around the €42 million mark.
Andrey Santos has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €27.1m, with this figure having exploded this term.
Andrey Santos, Strasbourg
© IMAGO - Andrey Santos, Strasbourg
Did Romano get it wrong?
Fabrizio Romano previously said that Chelsea’s plan with Andrey Santos is for him to head to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
In mid-March, the football transfer news reporter said: “Chelsea keep planning with Andrey Santos as part of the squad for next season.
“He’s always been considered key part of the long-term project and he will be part of the team after excellent impact at Strasbourg.
“Dario Essugo signing won’t change plans for Andrey to stay.”
Plans in the transfer market, though, can change rapidly and it may be that Chelsea feel the money on offer in this case is simply too good to turn down, despite the player being under contract until 2030.
Bought for €12.5m from Vasco da Gama, a sale around the €40m mark would represent a substantial profit but also a big win for BlueCo’s player trading model.
Andrey Santos’ future could also be tied to that of Enzo Fernandez, who continues to be rumoured to be of interest for Real Madrid in a blockbuster summer transfer.