‘Best player in the world’ heading to Chelsea this summer, Romano confirms

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed there will be another new face in Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea squad for the 2025/26 season, with the man declared by one of his team-mates as “the best player in the world” heading to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have already acted quickly in the transfer window, securing the signing of Sporting CP star Geovany Quenda for the summer of 2026. In addition, they have snapped up Dario Essugo to join from the same club in the summer.

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Essugo is set to face additional competition in the heart of the Chelsea midfield from Andrey Santos, who is poised to hook up with the Stamford Bridge first-team next season after spending the last 18 months on loan at Strasbourg.

Romano confirmed via X: “Chelsea keep planning with Andrey Santos as part of the squad for next season.

“He’s always been considered key part of the long-term project and he will be part of the team after excellent impact at Strasbourg.

“Essugo signing won’t change plans for Andrey to stay.”

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Andrey Santos has won Strasbourg over

Andrey Santos, who joined Chelsea in a €12.5 million deal in January 2023 from Vasco da Gama, is currently winning rave reviews in Strasbourg.

“He’s the best player in the world,” Diego Moreira declared following Racing’s 2-1 win over Toulouse on Sunday.

Described by L’Equipe as being the “brain” of his team, head coach Liam Rosenior was similarly full of praise for the 20-year-old, who netted in that victory.

“He’s one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1,” the former Hull City boss said. “He’s present in both boxes. He wins a lot of balls, his technique and his decisions bring a lot to the team. He’s got a really strong daily work ethic.

“His goal was world class, just like his whole season.”

Andrey Santos’ performances on loan at Strasbourg have already raised questions internally about Chelsea’s decision to buy Essugo, who is set to cost the Blues around €22 million.

“Why sign another midfielder when you already have him in your squad?” one BlueCo insider is quoted as saying on the subject of Andrey Santos.