Chelsea ROCKED as Man Utd submit enquiry for 'best player in the world'

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 21 Aug 2025 15:30 BST
  • 4 min read
Enzo Maresca, Man Utd
© IMAGO

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos as they aim to bolster the options available to Ruben Amorim before Transfer Deadline Day.

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The Red Devils have reportedly accepted defeat in their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba and they have subsequently identified the likes of Adam Wharton and Lucien Agoume as top targets.

Current ETV
Player image Andrey Santos
Andrey Santos

M, DM (C)

Chelsea logo

Chelsea

Andrey Santos
Andrey Santos

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

Chelsea

€49.9M

ETV Range

€44.9M - €54.9M

However, Santos has now been earmarked as a potential option, according to a bombshell report from Ben Jacobs.

The football transfer reporter told The United Stand that Man Utd brought up the possibility of signing Santos during negotiations with Chelsea over a deal for Alejandro Garnacho.

The two clubs are locked in talks over a summer transfer involving Garnacho, with the Argentina international desperate to secure a move to Stamford Bridge after being exiled by Amorim over the summer.

Man Utd are keen admirers of Santos, following his immense season on loan at Strasbourg last year, however Chelsea have informed the Red Devils that he is not for sale this summer.

The Brazil international was named on the substitutes bench for Chelsea’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday, but he is expected to play a meaningful role this season as the Blues look to compete for major honours on all fronts.

Santos, who was dubbed “the best player in the world” by Strasbourg team-mate Diego Moreira last season, is currently in competition with Enzo Fernandez for a starting berth at Chelsea, and West Ham United reportedly launched an unsuccessful €53 million bid for his signature earlier this week.

Andrey Santos, Chelsea
© IMAGO - Andrey Santos, Chelsea

Chelsea’s summer transfer plans

Although Chelsea have no interest in selling Santos this summer, they are reportedly eager to finalise 13 deals during the final 12 days of the summer transfer window.

The club want to sign the aforementioned Garnacho and RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, while they are aiming to offload 11 players, including Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, either on loan or permanently.

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