Man Utd plot stunning Chelsea transfer raid and Blues are ready to do deal | Football | Sport

Chelsea are prepared to consider offers for Andrey Santos this summer, with Manchester United among a host of Premier League clubs understood to be monitoring the midfielder’s situation. United are one of those interested as they seek to strengthen Michael Carrick’s options in the centre of the park after Casemiro left and Manuel Ugarte suffered a long-term knee injury.

Santos is attracting attention from several of the Blues’ top-flight rivals amid questions over his future at Stamford Bridge. While the 22-year-old still has four years remaining on his contract in west London, Chelsea, though not actively seeking to offload him, are open to bids for his services – if the valuation is met. It is understood a fee of £50million would be required to tempt Santos away from Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle are also believed to be tracking developments after already parting ways with Sandro Tonali this summer, with uncertainty also surrounding Bruno Guimaraes’ future.

Santos featured in 43 matches across all competitions for the Blues during the 2025/26 campaign, though just 25 of those came as a starter. With Chelsea missing out on European football next season and pursuing a central midfielder in the summer transfer market, Santos’ chances in the team could become even more limited.

The Blues forked out £18m for Santos in 2023, and he subsequently spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg following his arrival from Vasco da Gama.

Chelsea maintain a broadly similar stance regarding Enzo Fernandez. Should a potential suitor be willing to satisfy a £120million price tag, Fernandez would be allowed to leave.

However, that prospect now seems far less likely following Real Madrid’s official statement on Friday morning confirming they have “no intention” of pursuing a move for the Argentine this summer. Those at Stamford Bridge remain relaxed about the circumstances.

Had Real Madrid made an approach for Fernandez, United might have been emboldened to launch a bid for Aurelian Tchouameni. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand is eager to see that transfer materialise.

“If Tchouameni has half a sniff of getting out of that club, Man United have to be the first team at the door knocking and make sure he can’t even talk to anybody else,” Ferdinand said.

“Get him signed, sealed and delivered. Tchouameni, I know we’ve had a few conversations in private but man, I know you watch the show, looking down the lens right now at you, behind these shades, there’s only one club for you, man.

“If you’re looking to leave Real Madrid, we are the club. Man United are the club. If you want to make it happen, make the call. That’s what I’d do.”