Enzo Maresca appears to be a huge fan of Andrey Santos, who is set to remain at Chelsea this summer.
Santos spent last season out on loan at Strasbourg and has attracted interest from West Ham United, but it does not look like the midfielder will be going anywhere during this transfer window.
Santos impressed in Chelsea’s friendly win against Bayer Leverkusen earlier this month, but that was not enough to earn him a start in their Premier League opener last Sunday.
However, the 21-year-old could have a big role to play under Maresca as the season goes on.
Andrey Santos poses with his winner's medal after Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain: Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Enzo Maresca thinks Chelsea lack what Andrey Santos has to offer
Chelsea have two of the best midfielders in the Premier League in Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, hence why Santos could only make the bench last weekend.
Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea, though, that Maresca feels that Santos brings something that his other midfielders lack.
As a result, the Chelsea head coach wants to keep hold of the Brazilian in a major blow to West Ham.
The Hammers have had one bid for Santos rejected, and it has even been reported that Chelsea have told their London rivals not to waste their time with another offer.
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Selling Santos would likely anger Maresca, who is already frustrated. Maresca has pleaded for another central defender following Levi Colwill’s ACL injury, but his pleas have not been answered.
Enzo Maresca arrives at Stamford Bridge ahead of Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Premier League
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How much West Ham United offered for Andrey Santos
West Ham’s bid for Santos was not a small one. According to journalist Vene Casagrande, the Hammers made a £45m offer for the Brazil international, but Chelsea rejected it and told them to “abandon” their pursuit.
It shows just how much Chelsea want to keep the former Vasco da Gama man, but if he does not get regular game time this season, it will probably not be long until he is off.
Santos is a talented midfielder who is clearly in demand right now. He will feel that he is better than Chelsea’s bench.