Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos has reiterated his desire to stay at Stamford Bridge despite mounting interest from top European clubs.
The 21-year-old, who enjoyed a standout season on loan at Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, has been linked with a summer move away from the Blues after scoring ten goals and providing three assists in France.
Arsenal were among the clubs reportedly tracking Santos, while Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have also shown interest in the Brazilian.
However, Santos says he is determined to establish himself at Chelsea.
“In principle, I’m staying at Chelsea,” Santos told AS. “I want to play, I want to get minutes so I can earn my place at the World Cup. I want to establish myself at Chelsea, I want to play regularly and be an undisputed starter, and win titles in this shirt.
“With Brazil in mind, I want to be in every squad possible and, God willing, be at the World Cup. Those are my goals.”
Signed from Vasco da Gama for £18 million in January 2023, Santos has yet to make his senior debut for the Blues. But after a full campaign in France, he believes he is now ready for the challenge of breaking into Chelsea’s first team.
“Yes, I’m ready. I’m very prepared after such a full season in Europe, at Strasbourg. I’ve been in France for a season and a half, arriving midway through last season, and this was my first full season. I feel very prepared.”
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What has Santos said to Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca?
Santos will return to Chelsea for the FIFA Club World Cup and is eager to impress head coach Enzo Maresca.
“I haven’t spoken to Enzo yet, no. After these matches with the national team, I’m returning to Chelsea for the Club World Cup.
“When we talk about Chelsea, it’s about winning and fighting in all the competitions. It won’t be any different with the Club World Cup. We want to be champions.”
The young midfielder has followed the Blues closely during his loan spell and says the support he’s received from the club’s fans has given him added motivation.
“All the love you’ve sent me is so wonderful. Even before I signed for Chelsea, ever since the news broke that there was a chance of me joining them, you’ve always encouraged me and treated me so well. There’s little to say about this season. Every game, every photo I saw… you’ve always sent me messages of love.
“You’ve said I should come home. It’s so nice to feel supported. I’m really looking forward to representing Chelsea.”
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling is set to return to Chelsea this summer following the conclusion of his season-long loan at Arsenal, although the winger is not expected to feature in the upcoming Club World Cup.
The 30-year-old joined the Gunners last summer in a surprise move which reunited him with former Manchester City coach Mikel Arteta.
However, the deal did not go as hoped for either party, with Sterling struggling to make an impact during his time in north London.
Sterling made 28 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal, the majority of which came as a substitute. He managed just one goal, netting in the 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Bolton last September, and provided five assists across the campaign.
His return to Chelsea comes as Arsenal confirmed their retained list for the 2025/26 season on Wednesday.
Sterling, along with Neto, Jorginho and Kieran Tierney, will leave the club when their contracts expire on June 30.
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