Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos has become a primary summer transfer target for Arsenal after a breakout loan spell at Strasbourg. The Brazilian scored ten goals in 32 Ligue 1 starts, attracting interest from some of the elite European clubs. Chelsea, however, has put a high price tag of £50 million on the 21-year-old, creating a high-octane transfer showdown.
Arsenal have monitored Santos closely and are weighing their options. The Gunners see potential in the former Vasco da Gama star, but the asking price may pose a significant hurdle. Chelsea, who signed the midfielder for just £18 million in 2023, are open to selling—but only at a premium.
🚨 Arsenal are working hard to sign Andrey Santos, who has impressed on loan at Strasbourg this season.
PSG are also keen on the Brazilian.
(Source: Le10Sport) pic.twitter.com/zs1ea13eC1
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 14, 2025
Interest from across Europe
Although Arsenal have been reported to show considerable interest, they are not the only ones. Paris Saint-Germain have joined the fray and may act swiftly should Chelsea publicly place Santos up for sale. Chelsea know the increasing demand and will seek a bidding war. As his age and performance, Santos is considered a long-term investment by a number of top clubs.
Even though he flourished in France, Santos has yet to feature for Chelsea at senior level. Last season, he was loaned out, initially for a short time at Nottingham Forest and subsequently with Strasbourg, where he got regular game time. Chelsea are now weighing the pros and cons of selling his increasing value or placing him in Enzo Maresca’s first team.
Maresca, the newly appointed head coach of Chelsea, did not confirm if Santos will feature in next season’s team. He replied that the club would look to the future only after finishing the current season. This implies that a decision regarding Santos will be taken later in the summer, subject to team requirements and possible incoming signings.
Todd Boehly, co-owner of the club, gave a more optimistic update at the Qatar Economic Forum. He announced that Santos will be part of the team at the coming Club World Cup. Boehly was thrilled about the potential of the midfielder and signaled that the club continues to believe Santos has value in nurturing him further at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal are working hard to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea and itt’s a battle between them and PSG. It’s not certain Chelsea would sell him. (le10sport) pic.twitter.com/XciQdIE2EJ
— Goals ⚽ (@Goals360hub) May 13, 2025
Andrey Santos waits patiently
Santos, meanwhile, has remained neutral. Recently, he confirmed that no definitive decision has been made known to him. He stressed that his fate is still in the hands of Chelsea and his agents. Santos seems happy to bide his time until the club decides its summer transfer plans.
Arsenal must make a vital choice now. Midfield reinforcements are in the pipeline, and Santos is an intriguing prospect. His age, productivity, and adaptability meet the club’s recruitment criteria. Chelsea’s lofty asking price may, however, compel Arsenal to look elsewhere unless the valuation is reduced.
The Gunners are not likely to be the sole Premier League club considering a bid. Chelsea are willing to sell and PSG are reportedly sniffing around, so the Gunners may miss out if they do not act quickly. Mikel Arteta’s side have shown they will spend on young players, but Santos’ price tag of £50 million could be their first test of resolve.
If Arsenal think Santos has the potential to become the foundation of their midfield for the long term, they might have to move soon. Nevertheless, the club needs to weigh spending in the various areas, particularly with other priority positions to reinforce before a Champions League season.
The next couple of weeks will be decisive to see where Andrey Santos plays next season. Chelsea have the upper hand, but the increasing interest indicates there is already a summer transfer drama in the making.
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