After a fantastic season in France, Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos is attracting interest from some top European clubs.
Last month, it was claimed that Tottenham Hotspur want to sign Santos, and it now looks like their north London rivals Arsenal are also keen.
Santos has played a key role in Strasbourg’s push for European football this term. In total, the 21-year-old has made 31 Ligue 1 appearances and scored nine goals.
His contribution has helped Liam Rosenior’s side to climb all the way to sixth in the Ligue 1 table, but the Brazilian now looks to have outgrown them.
Andrey Santos won’t join Arsenal
It is no surprise that the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham are looking at Santos, then. However, a move from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates seems very unlikely at this stage.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, who has spoken to one Arsenal source, there is “no chance” of Santos leaving Chelsea for their London rivals despite there being interest.
On Si Phillips Talks Chelsea, he wrote: “Arsenal are certainly interested in Santos, but I’ve been told by the best Arsenal source that there is ‘no chance’ of them landing the Chelsea midfielder this summer.”
In April, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also discussed Chelsea’s plans for Santos. He shared that, as things stand, the Brazil international will be part of Enzo Maresca‘s first-team squad next season.
He faces a tough task breaking into the Italian’s starting XI, however. Chelsea already have Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia.
Maresca has even had to move Caicedo to right-back to fit Lavia in. Of course, given the Belgian’s injury record, there could still be plenty of opportunities for Santos in west London next term.
Why Chelsea cannot sell Andrey Santos to Arsenal this summer
Santos’ development is coming along nicely. He has the potential to become one of the top midfielders in the world one day.
When you look at the former Vasco da Gama player’s game, he has all the attributes needed to be a complete midfielder. He scores goals, wins the ball back and is tidy in possession.
| Andrey Santos’ 2024/25 Ligue 1 stats | Total or average per game |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Tackles | 3.5 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Passes | 49.6 |
| Pass success rate | 88.6% |
Statistically, Santos’ tackling has even been better than Caicedo’s in the current campaign. Why on earth would Chelsea give all of that to Arsenal, a direct rival?
If Santos pushes for a move to secure a regular starting spot next season, then that changes things a little bit. But until then, Chelsea should not even be thinking about selling Santos to the Gunners or any other team for that matter.
