Chelsea told ‘missing link’ is already on the way in exciting update for Enzo Maresca

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will have another central midfielder at his disposal in time for the Club World Cup in the United States who could prove the ‘missing link’ to his team

Enzo Maresca will be provided with the missing link to his Chelsea side when Andrey Santos enters the fold, according to former Blues midfielder Emmanuel Petit. The Brazilian ace enjoyed a second spell on loan at Strasbourg in 2024/25 but could now feature for the west London side in the Club World Cup.

Santos, 21, joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in 2023 but has yet to play a competitive minute for the club. The young star has impressed in Ligue 1 however and could now return to Stamford Bridge ready to challenge for a place in the side.

The ex-Nottingham Forest loanee scored 11 goals from midfield and has been named in Carlo Ancelotti’s first Brazil squad for matches against Ecuador and Paraguay. The goalscoring star could come into the Chelsea fold for the Club World Cup too.

Petit reckons Santos has come on a lot over the past 12 months and that his versatility in the centre of the pitch can prove an asset for Maresca. The Frenchman believes the player will be the ‘perfect fit’ in west London.

“Santos is a young player who has improved a lot since last season, he can do whatever he wants on the pitch,” Petit told PokerStrategy.

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“He can play as a central midfielder, a holding midfielder or elsewhere, he can do everything. He can score and assist and is a very talented player with a bright future ahead of him.

“I think he could be the answer for Chelsea in midfield with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, I think he is the missing link. Romeo Lavia is a good player but he is still learning. I just think that Santos will fit in perfectly at Chelsea.”

Santos was told ahead of this season that he required more first team experience to break into Maresca’s team. The youngster was nevertheless impressed by his coach and now hopes to have an impact in the Club World Cup in the United States.

“The only conversation I had was that I would play in the Club World Cup for Chelsea and after that we’ll see what happens,” Santos told Mail Online. “Everyone knows about my love, my desire to play for Chelsea.

“I think Enzo Maresca was very sincere with me, and I liked that sincerity. Also, when you look someone in the eye, when you’re sincere, you build trust with the player. So I accepted that and went to Strasbourg to get minutes. And now, God willing, we’ll see how it goes at the Club World Cup. I hope everything goes well.”

Maresca could also soon have another young talent on his hands. Ipswich forward Liam Delap is expected to join the Blues, beating Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton to his signature.

The striker was available for £30million due to a relegation release clause in his contract. Petit however, is not convinced he is the right man to deliver for Chelsea.

“Liam Delap has quality, I think he has done a great job at Ipswich, but it’s a huge step. He has a really bright future and I have respect for him, but going from Ipswich to Chelsea is huge in terms of expectation and pressure, that number nine position at Chelsea has been a curse for so many players.

“Chelsea need a striker who is going to score 25 goals a season, will Delap give you that? I’m not so sure.”

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