Newcastle Moves In on Andrey Santos as Chelsea Opens Door for Midfielder Exit

Andrey Santos might be done waiting for his turn at Chelsea. The 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder has drawn interest from Newcastle, according to Standard Sport, and he’s ready to leave Stamford Bridge this summer if it means getting regular playing time.

Santos made just 13 Premier League starts last season. That’s not enough for a player who turns 23 soon and needs to be on the pitch, not on the bench. Moises Caicedo’s contract extension pretty much sealed Santos’s fate as the backup plan. Chelsea likes having him around but doesn’t see him as untouchable. If the right offer comes in, they’ll listen.

Newcastle has signaled they’re in the conversation. The Magpies need midfield depth and Santos showed enough flashes last season — even if both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior were hesitant to fully trust him over Caicedo — to make him a low-risk buy with upside.

Trevoh Chalobah also eyeing the exits

Chelsea has the same open-minded stance on Trevoh Chalobah. He’s drawing interest from Italy and has talked with former teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek about what it’s like playing abroad. A move overseas seems more likely than staying in London at this point.

Alejandro Garnacho could be on his way out too

Then there’s Alejandro Garnacho. One year after joining Chelsea from Manchester United for around £40 million, the club is open to selling the winger. He scored just one Premier League goal last season and only started 14 league games. That’s not going to cut it under new manager Xabi Alonso, who wants his wide players to defend as well as attack. Garnacho has never been great at tracking back.

Several clubs are looking for wingers this summer, and Chelsea is willing to deal — but only permanently. No loan offers. The arrival of Portuguese teenager Geovany Quenda from Sporting means Chelsea’s wide options are getting a refresh anyway, and Garnacho looks like the odd man out.

Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation demands a lot from its wing-backs and attackers on both ends of the field. Garnacho’s inconsistency and defensive limitations make him a tough fit. Chelsea returns to training on July 9, and both Santos and Garnacho are expected to report to Cobham. But for how much longer? That’s the real question.