Chelsea rejected two massive bids - including £59.5m offer - for Brazil star who was also targeted by Arsenal and West Ham this summer
Chelsea had two bids rejected for a surprise star during the summer transfer window
Chelsea were one of the expert selling clubs of the summer transfer window. Nevertheless, there were some stars who head coach Enzo Maresca viewed as off limits to sell over the summer.
Over 20 players departed the club for a total of £288.87million as Chelsea continued their impressive recent record of buying and selling on young players for a handsome profit to steer clear of PSR and UEFA issues.
Meanwhile, several big-money stars signed for the club - such as Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens - as Maresca focused especially on improving his attacking options with the aim of mounting a title push to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.
Maresca avoided making further unwanted sales this summer, though, as reports have emerged that the Blues rejected two separate bids for a young star who will look to make his mark on the first team at Stamford Bridge this season. He evidently has the Italian’s full backing to do so.
Chelsea rejected two huge bids for Andrey Santos
Reported by The Mirror, Chelsea received two massive bids for Andrey Santos over the summer but firmly rejected all approaches for the 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder.
It has previously been reported that the former Strasbourg loanee has attracted attention from the Saudi Pro League, with latest reports stating that a £59.5m bid was lodged by Al-Qadsiah but quickly rejected by the Blues. That was not the only bid to arrive, as London rivals West Ham United also reportedly approached Chelsea in August with a £45m offer for Santos which was also rejected.
Santos was recalled for his second senior Brazil cap earlier this year after impressing at Strasbourg and has been in high demand this summer, with Arsenal also admirers according to a separate report by The Mirror. Though no official approach is believed to have been made, the Gunners were said to be “mulling over a late swoop” for Santos.
‘I declined because of my dream’ - Santos on why he chose to stay
Santos told Trivela of his decision to stay at Chelsea: “The offer did arrive, but I immediately declined because of my dream and main goal, which is the World Cup. I know that being at Chelsea and in the Premier League gives me better chances than in Saudi Arabia. That was the main factor in my response to them.
“I really enjoy playing defensive midfielder, I even think it’s my main position, because I grew up as a defensive midfielder. But when I moved up to Vasco, it was as a defensive midfielder. At Chelsea, I play a bit further forward, but I feel comfortable playing in both positions.”
Head coach Maresca said of Santos’ role within the squad this season: "First of all, I am very happy with Andrey and the idea that Andrey stays here with us. He can play in Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo's positions for sure. He played one game in the Club World Cup against Palmeiras where he was very good as a number six. So he can play in both positions very well."