Andrey Santos has confirmed he plans to stay at Chelsea next season as speculation over his future continues to grow.
The 21-year-old midfielder spent the 2024/25 season on loan with the Blues' sister club Strasbourg and flourished in the process. Scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 34 appearances in all competitions, Santos has made a real claim to be in the first team picture at Stamford Bridge next season.
However, there is plenty of competition for the midfield spots under Enzo Maresca. Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez have been the ones used for the majority of the campaign, while Romeo Lavia has also been involved but his minutes have been limited because of injuries. Dario Essugo, who the west Londoners have high hopes for, will join this summer as well.
football.london understands Chelsea are yet to make a decision on where Santos will play his football next season but the club will use him at the FIFA Club World Cup that begins later in the month. Santos has now revealed his intention to stay with the Blues for next season and how he plans on winning over Maresca to cement a place in the first team.
"In principle, I stay at Chelsea," Santos said to Diario AS. "I want to play, I want to have minutes to be able to earn my place in the World Cup. I want to consolidate myself in Chelsea, I want to play regularly and be an undisputed starter, win titles with this shirt.
"I spoke with Romeo and Moi. I'm anxious to get to Chelsea. When we talk about Chelsea, it is a matter of winning and fighting for all competitions. With the Club World Cup, it will not be different. We want to be the champions."
Santos, despite agreeing a deal to sign for the Blues two-and-a-half years ago, is yet to feature for the first team in a competitive game, with the midfielder being sent on loan spells to Vasco da Gama, Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg. The Brazil international will feel somewhat like a new signing when he plays in the Club World Cup over in the United States.
Chelsea will be hoping Santos will be joined by a couple more faces. Liam Delap has signed from Ipswich Town, although we await official confirmation of the deal, while the Blues continue to work behind the scenes for Mike Maignan and Jamie Gittens.
AC Milan are demanding £25million for Maignan, who has 12 months remaining on his contract at the San Siro, but Chelsea have reservations over meeting said asking price for the 29-year-old goalkeeper. The France international, however, is still under consideration.
Meanwhile, Chelsea recently opened talks with Borussia Dortmund over the possible signing of Gittens. The 20-year-old left winger is expected to cost at least £50million.
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