Man Utd want to sign 'best player in the world' from Chelsea

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Manchester United have reportedly rekindled their interest in Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos following their failure to sign Mateus Fernandes.

Fernandes, 21, had been earmarked as a top target by the Old Trafford hierarchy ahead of this summer, but they were unwilling to match West Ham United’s lofty asking price and he has now completed a €99 million move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion), and Alex Scott (Bournemouth) all remain on Man Utd’s transfer radar, however they are also interested in finalising a deal for Santos, as confirmed by The Guardian.

Man Utd were linked with a possible move for Santos last summer and they have now rekindled their interest in the 22-year-old, who is reportedly open to leaving Chelsea this summer due to competition for places in west London.

It’s understood that Xabi Alonso’s side are willing to listen to offers for Santos and The Guardian report that he is valued at around €58 million (£50m), with Newcastle United also keeping tabs on his situation.

The Brazilian, who was described as “the best player in the world” by Diego Moreira during his time at Strasbourg, made 43 appearances for Chelsea last season, scoring three goals, and his current contract at Stamford Bridge isn’t due to expire until 2030.

Analysis: Would Andrey Santos be a good signing for Man Utd?

Santos performed well during his first season in Chelsea’s senior team, following a successful 18-month loan spell at sister club Strasbourg, and he certainly appears ready for a more significant first-team role.

The Brazilian deputised well for Moises Caicedo on a number of occasions last campaign and there is little doubt that at 22 years old, he could develop into one of the best midfielders in world football.

However, data analytics experts SciSports believe that he is currently a worse player than Man Utd star Manuel Ugarte, who struggled to break into the Red Devils’ preferred starting XI last season.

So, signing Santos as a possible replacement for his compatriot Casemiro may not be the best idea, despite his obvious talent. But, if Man Utd are able to finalise a deal for a reasonable fee, he could progress into a future star at Old Trafford.