Chelsea receive €53m bid for ‘best player in the world’

Chelsea have reportedly rejected a €53 million offer from West Ham United for Brazil midfielder Andrey Santos.

The 21-year-old returned to Stamford Bridge in June, following a fruitful 18-month loan spell at Strasbourg, and he is expected to play a key role under Enzo Maresca this campaign.

However, Arsenal lodged an official approach during the early weeks of the summer transfer window, as per reports, while West Ham have now submitted a formal offer worth €53m, according to Diario AS reporter Eduardo Burgos.

Chelsea immediately rejected this proposal as they have no intention of allowing Santos to depart before Transfer Deadline Day.

The Brazil international made his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, notably missing a guilt-edged chance during the dying stages, and he is expected to compete with Enzo Fernandez for a starting berth alongside Moises Caicedo this term.

Andrey Santos: ‘The best player in the world’

Santos made 45 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists, across his loan spell at Strasbourg and his form in France prompted team-mate Diego Moreira to describe him as “the best player in the world” back in March.

Despite links with a host of top European clubs following his time at Strasbourg, Santos was always expected to return to Chelsea and the Blues are determined to retain his services as they believe he will play a prominent role at Stamford Bridge over the next few years.

Furthermore, Santos’ current contract with the west London giants isn’t due to expire until 2030, meaning Chelsea are under no pressure to offload him.

The Blues are, however, in advanced talks to sell a number of unwanted stars before the end of the summer transfer window, with Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson among the players expected to depart.

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