Bayern Munich are poised to escalate their interest in Chelsea’s highly-rated midfielder Andrey Santos, who has been turning heads during his loan spell at Strasbourg in Ligue 1. The 20-year-old Brazilian has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising talents, prompting the Bundesliga giants to prioritize him as a key target for their midfield overhaul in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Santos, who joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in January 2023 for around £13 million, has enjoyed a breakout season in France, scoring nine goals and providing one assist in 25 Ligue 1 appearances. His commanding performances, including captaining Strasbourg at such a young age, have not only helped the club push for a UEFA Champions League spot but also attracted attention from several top European clubs, including AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Atletico Madrid.
According to recent reports, Bayern Munich are particularly serious about securing Santos’ signature, viewing him as a long-term investment to bolster their midfield. The Bavarians are reportedly monitoring his progress closely and are prepared to make a move, with sources suggesting a potential transfer fee in the region of £35 million. However, they face an uphill battle, as Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca appears keen to integrate the young star into the first team next season.
Maresca has remained non-committal about Santos’ long-term future at Stamford Bridge, acknowledging the midfielder’s impressive form but emphasizing the competitive nature of Chelsea’s midfield. “Andrey is doing fantastically well, but we have a lot of options in that position,” Maresca said recently. Despite this, reports indicate that Chelsea are reluctant to sell Santos, with plans to utilize him at the Club World Cup in June 2025, signaling their belief in his potential to become a regular starter.
Bayern’s interest in Santos is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate their squad following a mixed season. The club sees the Brazilian as a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder capable of contributing both defensively and offensively, as evidenced by his league-leading tackle count among Ligue 1 midfielders and his goal-scoring prowess.
However, Chelsea’s stance remains firm, with sources indicating that only an extraordinary offer or a change in Santos’ own stance could prompt a transfer. The player himself has expressed readiness to compete for a spot at Chelsea, though he has left discussions about his future to his agent, stating, “I’m focused on Strasbourg now, and we’ll talk with Chelsea at the end of the season.”
In addition to Bayern, interest from other Premier League clubs, including Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, has been noted, but Bayern’s financial muscle and European pedigree could give them an edge in negotiations. AC Milan, meanwhile, are reportedly exploring a loan deal, which may not align with Chelsea’s plans for the player.