Chelsea are planning a big future for Brazilian gem Andrey Santos, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano via Youtube.

Romano, via his channel, told subscribers that Chelsea are very happy internally with the performances of Santos on loan at Strasbourg and that the club are planning the future with him in mind.

It is thought that he will stay with the team next season after a full year of development abroad, with head coach Enzo Maresca recently praising him in a press conference.

Maresca said : “If Andrey continues in the way he is playing, he could be an option for us”. “For some players, it is better they go on loan to prove themselves and come back to Chelsea at the right moment”.

Santos, who has scored 5 goals already this season and plays either as an attacking eight or defensive midfielder, has been one of Strasbourg’s best performers after a torrid time on loan at Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea’s scouting team identified Santos as one of the early signings under Todd Boehly / Clearlake and his market value is thought to at least doubled since the £12m purchase in 2022.