Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has shared his delight at having Andrey Santos in the team. The Brazilian midfielder has impressed since he returned from his loan spell at the Blues’ sister club Strasbourg and has offered himself as a quality option for the West Londoners in the middle of the park.
Speaking about the 21-year-old in his recent interview, Maresca said:
“First of all, I am very happy with Andrey and the idea that Andrey stays here with us. He can play in Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo’s positions for sure. He played one game in the Club World Cup against Palmeiras where he was very good as a number six. So he can play in both positions very well.”
Santos joined the Blues in January 2023 for a reported €12.5 million from Vasco Da Gama. He has featured once for the club in the Premier League this season, coming off the bench for 11 minutes against Crystal Palace in the last game.
Chelsea boss clarifies on the future of want-away stars
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has urged want-away stars Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku to find new clubs before the transfer window closes. The pair have been linked with moves away from the Blues after failing to establish themselves in West London.
In a recent press conference, Maresca clarified on the situation surrounding forwards Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, who are training with the main squad but have been encouraged to explore moves away, saying:
“I think it is better if they find a solution as they will be more happy, the club the same.”
Jackson and Nkunku have been linked with departures in the coming weeks with Bayern Munich linked with both while Newcastle and Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Jackson as well. It is unlikely that the duo will play for the Blues this season.