Chelsea received huge Andrey Santos transfer bid after emphatic Enzo Maresca message

Chelsea wanted to keep Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos at all costs this summer following his successful 18-month loan spell in France with BlueCo-owned Strasbourg

Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos was the subject of two mega-money bids this summer, it can now be revealed. The 20-year-old Brazil international has featured in all three of the Blues’ Premier League matches so far this term – but is yet to earn a start and has only played a combined total of 48 minutes.

However, Enzo Maresca has personally pushed to keep Santos in west London following his stunning loan spell with sister club Strasbourg last season.

He was integrated with the Chelsea squad for the Club World Cup and although regular opportunities currently appear hard to come by, there is confidence he will get the chance to impress once the club’s Champions League campaign is in full swing.

In recent weeks, Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Qadsiah made an approach worth up to £59.5million for his services. But Santos wasn’t sold on moving to the Middle East, where eye-watering money was on offer, as he is currently prioritising earning a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for next summer’s World Cup.

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Al-Qadsiah were willing to table a huge salary hike to Santos but the message from Chelsea has been consistent all summer in that he was not available for transfer.

While the youngster remains behind Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the pecking order, the ex-Nottingham Forest loanee is still knocking on the door.

He spurned a glorious chance to net a late winner in the club’s opening day clash with Crystal Palace and also caught the eye from the bench in the 5-1 demolition of West Ham. Interestingly, the Hammers also saw an approach worth up to £45million knocked back in August.

After that game, Maresca made it abundantly clear the Selecao international would be going nowhere, stating: “First of all, I am very happy with Andrey and the idea that Andrey stays here with us.

“He can play in Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo’s positions for sure. He played one game in the Club World Cup against Palmeiras where he was very good as a number six. So he can play in both positions very well.”

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