Chelsea Open to Selling Andrey Santos as Man United Push for Midfield Fix

Manchester United are in active talks with Chelsea over a potential move for Andrey Santos, according to a report from Mail Sport’s Mike Keegan. The 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder didn’t start regularly for the Blues last season, but United see him as part of a midfield rebuild that’s suddenly become urgent.

Casemiro is already out the door. Manuel Ugarte, who was expected to be sold this summer, instead picked up a long-term injury during the 2026 World Cup. That leaves Erik ten Hag’s midfield thin, even with Éderson reportedly on his way from Atalanta. The club wants another body in the middle of the park, and Santos fits the profile of a younger, cheaper option who still has room to grow.

What Chelsea Want for Santos

Chelsea are asking for around £50 million for Santos, per the report. That’s a lot less than what other United targets are expected to cost. Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali have all been mentioned as possibilities this summer, but their price tags are significantly higher.

Santos made 27 Premier League appearances for Chelsea last season but only scored once. He wasn’t a locked-in starter — more of a rotational piece in Enzo Maresca’s squad. Still, at 22, he’s shown flashes of physicality and ball progression that United think they can develop further.

Why United Moved Now

It’s not just about wanting a younger midfield. It’s about having to. Ugarte’s World Cup injury changed the timeline. The Uruguayan was expected to be sold this summer to free up both roster space and money, but now he’s out long-term and can’t be moved. That forced United to pivot. Santos isn’t a like-for-like replacement for Ugarte — different skill set, more box-to-box — but he’s available and Chelsea are willing to talk.

The two clubs have a history of doing business. United signed Mason Mount from Chelsea two years ago. Chelsea picked up a few players from United’s academy in return. Neither side seems to have burned bridges, which helps when you’re trying to hammer out a deal for £50 million.

Negotiations are still early. Nothing is close to finalized. But United have made it clear they want Santos, and Chelsea have made it clear they’ll sell — for the right price.