Manchester United Explore Move for Chelsea Midfielder Andrey Santos
Certainty level: enquiry stage. Manchester United have made an initial enquiry over Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, with preliminary talks held with the player's representatives, David Ornstein reported for The Athletic. No formal bid has been sent to Chelsea, and Fabrizio Romano confirmed the same, that United's contact so far is limited to understanding the 22-year-old's situation.
United missed out on two earlier midfield targets this summer, Elliot Anderson, who is joining Manchester City for a British record £116 million, and Mateus Fernandes, who has completed a move to Tottenham. Casemiro has left Old Trafford and Manuel Ugarte has ongoing injury concerns, leaving manager Michael Carrick short of depth in the middle of the park despite the arrival of Ederson from Atalanta.
Where Chelsea stand
Santos is not considered "untouchable" by Chelsea this summer, though the club has set a valuation of around £50 million, the Guardian reported. He has made 47 appearances for Chelsea since arriving from Vasco da Gama in 2023, spending two spells out on loan, and currently sits behind Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in Chelsea's midfield pecking order.
Not the only club watching
Newcastle are also tracking Santos, journalist Ben Jacobs has reported, with the Brazilian seen as a possible long-term replacement if the club loses Bruno Guimaraes this summer. Santos made 43 appearances for Chelsea last season, contributing three goals and four assists, and is understood to want a move that guarantees him regular first-team football.
