Manchester United are currently engaged in transfer negotiations with Chelsea regarding midfielder Andrey Santos, according to reports emerging on July 8th. The potential move comes as the Red Devils seek to bolster their midfield options under manager Michael Carrick, with the club’s new ownership group, INEOS, eager to make swift progress in the transfer market.
United have already secured a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson Silva and are now focusing on adding another midfielder to their squad. Previous pursuits of Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali proved unsuccessful, increasing the urgency to find suitable reinforcements. Sources close to Santos have indicated that a move to Old Trafford would be an appealing prospect for the 22-year-old Brazilian international.
Chelsea are reportedly willing to consider offers for Santos, though they are seeking a fee in the region of £50 million. The player is not considered a regular starter at Stamford Bridge, making a sale potentially agreeable for both clubs. Manchester United will likely attempt to negotiate a lower fee, and Santos’s reported enthusiasm for joining the club could strengthen their position in discussions.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has highlighted the role of Manchester United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, in the pursuit of Santos. Vivell previously held a technical director role at Chelsea and is familiar with the player’s qualities. Romano reported that United officials have held multiple meetings with Santos’s agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, indicating a serious level of interest. The potential arrival of Santos would add depth and competition to United’s midfield options, aligning with INEOS’s ambition to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for trophies.
