Manchester United target Andrey Santos but Chelsea value midfielder at £50m
Manchester United have added Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos to their summer transfer shortlist as head coach Michael Carrick seeks to urgently rebuild his midfield department. The club’s pursuit follows recent setbacks in their attempts to sign other targets, including Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, coupled with the departure of veteran Casemiro and a significant knee injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte. While Manchester United have already secured an agreement for Atalanta’s Éderson for £35 million, the club hierarchy views further investment in the center of the pitch as a necessity for their return to the Champions League.
Chelsea have set an asking price in the region of £50 million for the Brazilian international, who joined the Stamford Bridge side from Vasco da Gama in 2023. Although Santos remains a highly regarded talent, he currently finds his path to a regular starting role blocked by established midfielders Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández. Given the need for the Blues to raise funds to support the tactical ambitions of new head coach Xabi Alonso, the club is reportedly open to a sale if their valuation is met.
The player is said to be open to leaving Stamford Bridge in search of more consistent playing time. However, Manchester United faces competition for his signature, with Newcastle United also monitoring the situation as they prepare to replace Sandro Tonali following his upcoming move to Tottenham Hotspur. While formal talks between the clubs have yet to commence, a competitive bidding dynamic is anticipated as the summer transfer window progresses.
