“Could be an option for us” – Maresca hints £13m ace could have Chelsea future if he does one thing | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has revealed if Andrey Santos continues playing how he is then he could be an option for Chelsea next season.

Santos is one of a number signings Chelsea have made from South America, with the club really targeting that market under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership.

The Blues paid a reported £13m for the 20-year-old midfielder who joined the club in the summer of 2023, although a deal was agreed in January of that year.

Maresca admits Santos can be an option for Chelsea

Santos impressed in pre-season under Mauricio Pochettino but the decision was taken to send him on loan to Nottingham Forest which turned out to be a disaster.

The Brazilian made just two appearances before being recalled in January and was then sent to sister club Strasbourg for the second half of the season.

After a slow start Santos found his feet and impressed in France and there was talk he could be part of the Chelsea squad for this season, but ultimately the decision was taken to send him back to Strasbourg for the whole season.

Andrey Santos in action for Strasbourg. (Photo by PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP via Getty Images)

The Brazil U21 international has had a brilliant start to the season, scoring five goals in eight Ligue 1 games and has impressed manager Liam Rosenoir.

It goes to show how far Santos has come that it was a surprise he wasn’t called up to the Brazil squad for the upcoming international break, and Fabrizio Romano recently revealed the Blues turned down the opportunity to sell him in the summer.

Maresca was asked about the youngster ahead of the Manchester United game and said he could be an option if he continues the way he is.

“Andrey Santos shows what we have said already many times, probably for some players, it is better they go and prove themselves and then they can come back,” he told his pre-match press conference.

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“Now is too early but if he continues in the way he is playing, then he could be an option for us.”

Santos appears to be an extremely talented player and one who looks like he could have a big future at Chelsea, but he needs to keep this form up for the rest of the season.