Chelsea to block coveted first-team star’s exit to United despite him being behind ‘world-class’ teammates

In partnership with

Stretty News

·31 Oktober 2025

Chelsea to block coveted first-team star’s exit to United despite him being behind ‘world-class’ teammates

Chelsea have no interest in allowing Andrey Santos to leave, particularly not to a direct Premier League rival.

That’s certainly not what Manchester United want to hear, as they established their interest in the Brazilian recently amid INEOS’ ongoing quest to bolster Ruben Amorim’s midfield.

Video OneFootball

Andrey Santos and United: The state of play

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Nothing has gone as far as talks being held or an official approach being made, although it was previously reported that United brought up the prospect of Chelsea including Santos in their bid to sign Alejandro Garnacho over the summer.

However, nothing materialised with a swap deal, and the Blues instead shelled out £40 million to add Garnacho to Enzo Maresca’s ranks.

United and Chelsea also did business back in 2023, when Mason Mount severed his 18-year ties with the London club to make the switch to Old Trafford in a £55m deal, so it’s not too far out of the realm of possibility that the sides could engage in discussions again next year.

Chelsea unwilling to part ways with Santos anytime soon

(Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

That being said, Chelsea are keen to keep hold of their coveted talent. Despite signing him for only £18m two years ago, they rejected a £45m bid from Nottingham Forest for the 21-year-old in the closing stages of the summer window, showing just how highly Maresca values Santos.

It doesn’t always reflect in his game time, as both Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez rank above the youngster in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

“The problem for Andrey Santos is that he’s got two world-class midfielders ahead of him, in Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandes. If they’re both fit, they will start most games,” said transfer reporter Pete O’Rourke to Football Insider.

Still, he went on to say that Chelsea would almost certainly stand in the way of the Vasco de Gama graduate joining the Red Devils.