Chelsea are already aware of a number of top players who are going to be joining their first team squad next summer before they even spend a penny in the transfer market.
The Blues will be welcoming Estevao Willian and Dario Essugo to their ranks, with the plan being for both to remain part of the first team squad rather than leave on loan.
This is the same fate that is set to meet Andrey Santos following his sensational campaign with BlueCo sister club, Strasbourg.
The Brazil international has frequently topped the stats as far as his side are concerned in games, and only lost out to fellow loanee Djordje Petrovic as Player of the Season.
Santos has added goals to his game too, reaching double digits for the Ligue 1 side this season as the Blues prepare themselves for the immense talent that is set to arrive in a few weeks’ time.
He added to his tally in Strasbourg’s final game of the season, opening the scoring against Le Havre as they looked to secure European football for next season.
However, the goal wasn’t enough, as Liam Rosenior’s side fell to a tough 3-2 defeat at home, taking the chance of Champions League and Europa League football away from them.
Their only hope at qualifying for Europe is the Conference League, which will only be confirmed should PSG win the French Cup next weekend.
Santos has made it no secret that he has loved his time at Strasbourg, and was among those dejected players who were left heartbroken at full-time.
Andrey Santos’ Chelsea future
While it has been reported Chelsea have a plan for Santos with Enzo Maresca at the helm, this has not stopped other clubs from looking to capitalise on any potential opportunity to sign him.
It has recently been reported that Arsenal are keen on Santos, despite him yet to play a competitive game for the Blues.
Despite this, Chelsea are insistent he will be a key part of their future, and can compete for places in the middle of the park alongside the impressive options they will have there.
As well as Essugo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo will all be competing for minutes next season, meaning Chelsea are shaping up to have one of the best midfields in world football at their disposal.
