Manchester United have already showed plenty of intent this summer, even if that intent is yet to produce the fruits of their labour. INEOS are willing to spend, as highlighted by their pursuit of Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson before they chose other moves, and a midfielder is the clear priority.
If they can land a cheaper deal in the Premier League market, then that should be the priority, especially if it means getting one over on Chelsea in the process.
The Blues are facing the prospect of further sales this summer as they look to raise funds for incomings of their own and Andrey Santos could be heading for the exit door as a result.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
The Guardian’s latest update provides a major boost for Man United. The Red Devils are interested in signing Santos and whilst he won’t come cheap, the Brazilian is open to leaving West London and Chelsea must raise funds in the coming months. |
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Finances |
As things stand, Chelsea have set a £50m asking price for their midfielder. Whether that lasts the test of time as they look to fund their own summer spending and Santos looks to leave remains to be seen. |
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Insight |
It was a mixed campaign for Santos last time out, but previous success at Strasbourg more than proved his worth. The Chelsea man is a box-to-box star who is capable of getting his name on the scoresheet. |
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Impact |
The good news for Man United is that they could have a routine path towards signing Santos. The bad news is that their move would fund Chelsea’s summer and the last thing they want to do is inadvertently strengthen a rival club. |
The midfield merry-go-round is only continuing to throw new names forward and Santos is now the latest player who could arrive at Old Trafford.
Man Utd targeting Andrey Santos
As reported by The Guardian’s Will Unwin, Man United are now targeting a move to sign Santos. The Chelsea man is open to leaving Stamford Bridge this summer after finding himself behind Moises Caicedo in the pecking order in West London.
Chelsea, meanwhile, need to sell players in the coming months if they are to fund a rebuild under new manager Xabi Alonso and have set their asking price at £50m for their midfielder.
Whether those at Old Trafford now turn that interest into an offer is the big question.
£50m Santos is a bargain Alex Scott alternative
It sums up the current market that £50m for a Premier League midfielder should be considered a bargain deal, but Santos is exactly that. In a world where Tonali and Fernandes cost Tottenham a combined £165m, Anderson cost Man City £116m, and Alex Scott could cost upwards of £75m, adding the Chelsea man for £50m would be solid business.
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25/26 P90 |
Santos |
Scott |
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Minutes |
1,255 |
2,859 |
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Tackles |
2.65 |
1.89 |
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Chances created |
0.57 |
0.85 |
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Duel success |
62% |
55.6% |
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Recoveries |
3.44 |
6.14 |
At 22 years old, Santos still needs time to reach his top potential, but he’s not a world away from someone of Scott’s quality and will cost a fraction of the price. It could be a no-brainer for Man United this summer.
