Todd Boehly, one of the co-owners at Chelsea, has issued a strong warning to Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal about the long-term future of teenage midfielder Andrey Santos. Over at the Qatar Economic Forum, Boehly affirmed that the Brazilian star is still an integral part of Chelsea’s future plans.
The 21-year-old midfielder has impressed on loan at Strasbourg, drawing serious interest from major European clubs. Chelsea, though, are keen to hold on to the player as they gear up for a hectic 2024–25 season under the new boss Enzo Maresca.
🚨 Arsenal are working hard to sign Andrey Santos, who has impressed on loan at Strasbourg this season.
PSG are also keen on the Brazilian.
(Source: Le10Sport) pic.twitter.com/zs1ea13eC1
Chelsea signed Santos from Vasco da Gama in January 2023 and loaned him back to the Brazilian outfit straight away. A short and unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest came next where he played only twice. The fortunes of the midfielder changed at Strasbourg, Chelsea’s sister club, where he thrived under coach Liam Rosenior.
In Ligue 1, Santos scored ten goals and provided three assists during an exemplary season. Though Strasbourg fell just short of European competition, one of their most important players was their young Brazilian. Rosenior would have wanted him to stay on for another year, but Chelsea have other ideas.
Boehly has confirmed Santos will be part of Chelsea’s team for the FIFA Club World Cup. He indicated high enthusiasm regarding what the midfielder can contribute to the team. Chelsea consider him a long-term project and will not be selling him this summer.
🚨🗣 Todd Boehly on Andrey Santos:
“Andrey Santos, we’re really excited about him and what he can add to the squad.” #CFC
(@business) pic.twitter.com/L8M4oicQfn
Both Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain had been mentioned in reports as being interested in Santos in recent weeks. Both sides were impressed with his technical ability and rapid development in France. Arsenal in particular wanted to strengthen in midfield for another Champions League season.
But Boehly’s public remarks satisfactorily eliminate any possibility of the midfielder’s summer exit. Chelsea’s leadership regards Santos as belonging to a core group that can become a dominant team in the future.
Boehly also sketched out Chelsea’s longer-term transfer strategy at the forum. Instead of seeing recent spending as profligate, he framed it as long-term investment. The club has a desire to create a “portfolio” of youthful talent that can compete at the highest level for many years.
He pointed out that Chelsea’s initial strategy involved giving promising players long contracts. The club wanted to establish stability in the team and give the young team time to bond together. Boehly is convinced that continuity is what is needed in order to create a great team.
The owner of Chelsea cited a study of top-tier teams to justify his approach, commenting that longevity begets success. He accepted the difficulties posed by a crowded fixture schedule and increasing injury rates but remains optimistic about the direction of the team.
Chelsea’s narrow 1-0 victory over Manchester United has left them in a good position to qualify for next year’s Champions League. With their final game against Nottingham Forest, they need nothing more than a victory to seal a top-four spot.
Even three days after their last Premier League match, Chelsea will also play in the Europa Conference League final against Real Betis. Victory would yield silverware and reinforce the notion that the project is going in the right direction.
Maresca’s team, which is full of young potential, will now have the opportunity to show that they can deliver on all fronts. Players such as Santos will be crucial when Chelsea strive for domestic and European success.
Chelsea have made it clear where they stand on Andrey Santos. Not for sale despite interest from Arsenal and PSG, Santos is a player that Boehly believes is an integral part of the future of the club and should play next season. With the Club World Cup, Champions League, and league and cup competitions coming up, Santos will soon have his turn to shine in blue.
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