Chelsea respond to Man United’s Andrey Santos interest after ‘huge’ offer blocked
Chelsea have spent significant funds on strengthening Enzo Maresca’s squad with young players with a view to winning silverware in the future.
While Chelsea have been criticised for their transfer activity, it has already paid off as they lifted the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup last season.
One of the most impressive young recruits in recent years has been Andrey Santos, who thrived on loan at Strasbourg last year before making his mark on the Chelsea side.
Santos has made 11 appearances across all competitions so far this season, but just four of those have come from the start, leading to suggestions he could be tempted away.
Man United are the latest side to show an interest in Santos as they aim to strengthen in midfield when the January transfer window opens.
Man United could miss out on signing Andrey Santos
Football Insider revealed on 31 October that Man United want to sign Santos to bolster their midfield, which has been a key area for improvement under Ruben Amorim.
The presence of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea have led to suggestions he could move on, and United would be prepared to offer him increased playing time.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Chelsea have no plans to let the midfielder go after turning down a “huge” offer from the Saudi Pro League during the summer transfer window,
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I would be very surprised if Chelsea would even consider letting Andrey Santos go, especially to a Premier League rival in Man United.
“He’s a top young player, he’s very highly regarded within the corridors of power at Stamford Bridge.
“I don’t imagine Chelsea will be looking to let him leave anytime soon. He’s under a long-term contract until 2030 at Chelsea as well.
“So Chelsea obviously have no real plans to lose him.
“I don’t see Chelsea listening to any offers for him anytime soon. They turned down a huge offer from the Saudi Pro League for Andrey Santos last month.
“So I don’t think they’ll be looking to lose the young player. Obviously they’ll be hoping that he can make an impact for Enzo Maresca’s side.”
Meanwhile, West Ham made a move for Santos in August before the Blues blocked their advances, and they are likely to take a similar stance with United’s interest.
Conor Gallagher, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba on the radar
With Chelsea likely to block any approach for Santos from their Premier League rivals, Amorim may be forced to look elsewhere in his search for a new midfielder.
Former chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 1 November that Man United want to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in January.
The Red Devils see the England international as an alternative to Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, amid concerns about his “huge” asking price at the City Ground.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 23 September that Baleba has had his head turned by Man United after they attempted to sign him in the summer.
However, Brown told Football Insider that Baleba struggled to impress against Man United, casting doubts about their pursuit given the other names on their radar in his position.
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