Manchester United is reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos. Talks are underway to bring the 22-year-old Brazilian to Old Trafford, according to reports.
Santos joined Chelsea in 2023 from Brazilian club Vasco da Gama. He made 43 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea last season, scoring three goals. Despite being highly regarded at Stamford Bridge, he has not been a consistent starter, and Chelsea officials are open to his departure for the right offer. The club is seeking a fee of £50 million, with negotiations ongoing.
Manchester United is looking to strengthen its midfield, especially following the departure of Casemiro. The need has become more pressing with the injury to Manuel Ugarte, who suffered knee ligament damage during the World Cup. United has already agreed on a deal for fellow Brazilian Ederson from Atalanta, though a move for Elliot Anderson to rivals Manchester City and Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur has fallen through.
Santos has had loan spells at Vasco da Gama and Nottingham Forest. His time at Nottingham Forest was limited to two appearances over five months before being recalled. He also spent time at Strasbourg before returning to Chelsea at the start of last season and establishing himself in the first team. Last season, he played 27 Premier League matches, scoring once, but was not included in Brazil's World Cup squad. Moisés Caicedo, a competitor for a midfield spot at Chelsea, recently signed a contract extension until 2033.