Enzo Maresca looks to have already made his decision over Andrey Santos’ future at Chelsea next season following the arrival of Dario Essugo.
Chelsea have just signed another young midfielder in Essugo from Sporting CP in a deal worth around £18.5 million, further adding to the strong competition in the Blues’ midfield.
Next season, Maresca is set to have Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Essugo and Santos – which is a fair amount for two starting spots.
Chelsea fans are hoping Santos will become part of the first-team next season given his impressive performance over in France.
The signing of Essugo may have caused some concern over the Brazilian’s future at Stamford Bridge with the addition of yet another midfielder, however, the West London club have made their stance clear over selling Santos in the summer.
Chelsea want Andrey Santos to be a part of the first team squad next season
Andrey Santos is expected to become a part of Chelsea’s first-team squad next season, according to Ben Jacobs.
Two years on from Santos’ £16m move from Vasco da Gama, the midfielder looks set to finally get his chance at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are delighted with the progress Santos has made this season in Ligue 1 and he is now set to be part of Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Despite possible rumours of a potential summer sale and the arrival of Dario Essugo from Sporting CP, the Blues have no desire to sell the midfielder in the summer.
Andrey Santos’ impressive Strasbourg stats this season
It’s clear why Chelsea are so eager to keep hold of the 20-year-old given his impressive form for Strasbourg this season.
The youngster has been flying in Ligue 1 having produced eight goals and three assists in 25 appearances from central midfield.
| Postion | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| CM | 15 | 3 | 2 |
| CDM | 10 | 5 | 1 |
Strasbourg are also having a great season as a team as they are currently sitting seventh in Ligue 1 and are making a strong push for European football.
