**Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has insisted that he wants Andrey Santos to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond this transfer window.**
There has been speculation about the 21-year-old’s future over the past week, but speaking before the West Ham game, 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.”
2 Premier League clubs have expressed an interest in Santos
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Multiple reports have confirmed that West Ham lodged a bid in the region of £45m for the Brazilian international earlier this week. The offer was swiftly knocked back, with the Hammers encouraged not to maintain their interest as the player is not for sale.
There have also been suggestions that Manchester United enquired about Santos’s availability as part of the negotiations for Alejandro Garnacho.
Chelsea need depth in midfield
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As Maresca points out, Santos provides important cover in two positions, and with the Blues involved in so many competitions, there is no doubt that he will be given plenty of starting opportunities over the coming weeks and months.
Of course, the midfielder isn’t in Maresca’s strongest starting XI quite yet, but he is clearly rated by the Italian based on his remarks above.
If there is an [**injury**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-injury-news-vs-west-ham/) in the middle of the park, you would back Santos to make the most of his chance if he does get an extended run in the side. He showed during his loan spell at Strasbourg last season that he is more than ready to step up to the plate.
[**Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-first-team-squad/)