Manchester United plan to strengthen their midfield this summer and have learned Chelsea’s stance on Andrey Santos
Chelsea are willing to entertain offers for Andrey Santos this summer, with several Premier League clubs believed to be keeping tabs on the midfielder. Manchester United are among them as they look to improve in the centre of the pitch.
The 22-year-old is attracting interest from a number of the Blues’ top-flight rivals amid uncertainty surrounding his future at Stamford Bridge. Although Santos still has four years left to run on his contract in west London, Chelsea, while not actively looking to move him on, are receptive to bids for his services — provided the price is right.
It is claimed it will take £50million to prise Santos away from Stamford Bridge. Newcastle are also said to be monitoring the situation after already selling Sandro Tonali this summer, with speculation about Bruno Guimaraes’ future.
Santos made 43 appearances across all competitions for the Blues during the 2025/26 season, though only 25 of those were from the start. With Chelsea absent from European football next season and targeting a central midfielder in the summer transfer window, Santos’ opportunities in the side could become even more scarce.
The Blues paid £18m for Santos in 2023, and he went on loan to Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg after joining from Vasco da Gama.
Chelsea hold a broadly similar position regarding Enzo Fernandez. Should a prospective buyer be prepared to meet a £120million asking price, Fernandez would be permitted to depart.
However, that now appears increasingly unlikely after Real Madrid released an official statement on Friday morning confirming they have “no intention” of pursuing a move for the Argentine this summer. Those close to Stamford Bridge remain unconcerned about the situation.
If Real Madrid moved for Fernandez, United may have had greater encouragement to make a move for Aurelian Tchouameni. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand is keen to see that move happen.
“If Tchouameni has half a sniff of getting out of that club, Man United have to be the first team at the door knocking and make sure he can’t even talk to anybody else,” Ferdinand said.
“Get him signed, sealed and delivered. Tchouameni, I know we’ve had a few conversations in private but man, I know you watch the show, looking down the lens right now at you, behind these shades, there’s only one club for you, man.
“If you’re looking to leave Real Madrid, we are the club. Man United are the club. If you want to make it happen, make the call. That’s what I’d do.”
Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.
Official premium experiences at Old Trafford are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login