Manchester United are plotting a stunning £50million transfer raid on Chelsea for midfielder Andrey Santos, and the Blues are reportedly prepared to do business this summer. Chelsea are open to considering offers for the 22-year-old, who has four years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
United are among several Premier League clubs monitoring Santos as they seek to strengthen Michael Carrick's midfield options after Casemiro left and Manuel Ugarte suffered a long-term knee injury. Newcastle are also believed to be tracking developments after selling Sandro Tonali this summer and amid uncertainty over Bruno Guimaraes' future.
Santos' role at Chelsea
Santos featured in 43 matches across all competitions for Chelsea during the 2025/26 campaign, though only 25 of those came as a starter. With Chelsea missing out on European football next season and pursuing a central midfielder in the summer transfer market, his chances in the team could become even more limited.
Chelsea forked out £18m for Santos in 2023, and he subsequently spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg following his arrival from Vasco da Gama. While not actively seeking to offload him, the Blues are open to bids for his services if the valuation is met. It is understood a fee of £50million would be required to tempt Santos away from Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Fernandez situation
Chelsea maintain a broadly similar stance regarding Enzo Fernandez. Should a potential suitor be willing to satisfy a £120million price tag, Fernandez would be allowed to leave. However, that prospect now seems far less likely following Real Madrid's official statement confirming they have no intention of pursuing a move for the Argentine this summer.
Had Real Madrid made an approach for Fernandez, United might have been emboldened to launch a bid for Aurelien Tchouameni. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand is eager to see that transfer materialise.
"If Tchouameni has half a sniff of getting out of that club, Man United have to be the first team at the door knocking and make sure he can't even talk to anybody else," Ferdinand said. "Get him signed, sealed and delivered. Tchouameni, I know we've had a few conversations in private but man, I know you watch the show, looking down the lens right now at you, behind these shades, there's only one club for you, man. If you're looking to leave Real Madrid, we are the club. Man United are the club. If you want to make it happen, make the call. That's what I'd do."
