Man Utd handed Andrey Santos green light as Chelsea make transfer stance clear

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Chelsea are prepared to entertain offers for Andrey Santos this summer with several Premier League clubs believed to be monitoring the midfielder's situation. Manchester United and Newcastle are among those touted to be interested.

United are keen to strengthen their central midfield options, with the club having already agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta. The Red Devils have deemed deals for Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson as too expensive this summer, as they joined Tottenham and Manchester City , respectively.

Santos has attracted interest from a number of the Blues' top-flight rivals amid uncertainty surrounding his future at Stamford Bridge. While the 22-year-old has four years left on his deal in west London, Chelsea , though not actively forcing the midfielder towards the exit, are receptive to bids for his signature - provided they meet their valuation.

Santos featured 43 times across all competitions for the Blues during the 2025/26 campaign, but only 25 of those outings came as a member of the starting lineup. With Chelsea facing no European commitments next season, Santos' playing opportunities could diminish further still, particularly with the Blues pursuing a central midfielder in the summer market.

Chelsea signed Santos from Vasco da Gama for £18million in 2023 and he has spent time on loan with Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg in that time. Reports suggest the west London side value him at £50m.

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Chelsea maintain a comparable position regarding Enzo Fernandez. Should a prospective buyer prove willing to meet the £120million asking price, then Fernandez would be permitted to depart.

That scenario now looks increasingly improbable, however, after Real Madrid issued an official statement on Friday morning confirming they have "no intention" of pursuing a deal for the Argentine this summer. Those close to Stamford Bridge remain unconcerned by the situation.

Chelsea will welcome Fernandez back into the fold should no club meet their asking price, with the midfielder set to feature in Xabi Alonso's squad next season.

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Valentin Barco is anticipated to make the move from Strasbourg, providing Alonso with another much-needed option in the centre of midfield. Chelsea are yet to officially confirm the Argentine international's signing, though sources close to the deal insist he will be heading to the Bridge within the next few weeks.

Elsewhere, Chelsea appear to have failed in their bid to sign Granit Xhaka from Sunderland . Alonso had been eager to link up once more with the 33-year-old midfielder after their trophy-laden partnership at Bayer Leverkusen, but the Black Cats are standing firm, insisting he is simply not available at any price this summer.