Manchester United are reportedly edging closer to a move for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, with the Blues seeking around £50m for the Brazil midfielder.
Daily Mail Sport reports that talks are now underway over a possible deal to take Santos to Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in 2023 and made 43 appearances last season, scoring three goals.
He is highly rated at Stamford Bridge, but is not viewed as a guaranteed starter under Xabi Alonso. Chelsea are said to be open to a sale if their valuation is met.
United need midfield reinforcements after Casemiro’s departure. Their need has also grown after Manuel Ugarte suffered knee ligament damage while playing for Uruguay at the World Cup.
The Guardian previously reported that United were targeting Santos as Chelsea valued him at around £50m, with Newcastle also monitoring the situation.
Chelsea Face Clear Value Decision
Santos’ position is awkward rather than simple.
Chelsea’s official profile describes him as a box-to-box midfielder who joined the club from Vasco in January 2023. His route since then has included loans at Vasco, Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg.
The Strasbourg spells helped rebuild his momentum before he returned to Chelsea and broke into the first-team group last season.
ReadChelsea has already covered why United’s interest in Santos gives Chelsea a midfield value call. That decision now appears to be moving closer.
Santos is young, valuable and still has development upside. He also sits in a crowded midfield picture.
Moises Caicedo has signed a new long-term contract until 2033, while Enzo Fernandez remains central to Chelsea’s plans despite Real Madrid links.
That leaves Chelsea with a familiar BlueCo-style question. Do they keep a high-upside midfielder who may still grow into a larger role, or take a major fee while his value is strong?
At £50m, this cannot be treated as a routine squad exit. It would be a significant sale to a Premier League rival.
United may see Santos as a long-term midfield solution. Chelsea must decide whether the money is worth strengthening a direct domestic competitor.
