The biggest reason why Chelsea shouldn’t even consider Kobbie Mainoo signing, it would make no sense

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Chelsea continue to be linked with the brightest names in the transfer rumour mill, but not every single big-name player is a good fit for them.

The latest transfer saga unfolding this week has seen Chelsea linked with Manchester United and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. Do the Blues really need the 19-year-old star, though?

Chelsea leads the chase to sign Mainoo if he leaves Man United because he’s currently at a stalemate during contract talks at Old Trafford.

Even though we massively rate Mainoo, we don’t think it would make sense to ramp up interest and bring him to the club. Therefore, the most sensible decision would be for the club to withdraw their interest and look a little bit closer to home.

• READ MORE: Chelsea fans are in agreement about Kobbie Mainoo after link, they are sure of one thing

The biggest reason Chelsea don’t need to sign Kobbie Mainoo

Chelsea don’t need to add Mainoo to their ranks because Andrey Santos, 20, is waiting in the wings ready to make a gigantic impact at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have plenty of quality in the centre of the park this season with the likes of Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. On top of that, Chelsea-owned youngster Santos is currently making a real name for himself out on loan.

Based on what Santos is doing in France with Strasbourg, he’ll be ready to contribute to Enzo Maresca’s squad later in 2025 when he returns from his season-long loan spell in the summer, so Mainoo’s arrival could only complicate things.

The Brazilian youngster is an all-action central midfielder who’s taken Ligue 1 by storm in Strasbourg colours. On paper, he’s got the all-round game to compete for a starting position at Chelsea later this calendar year.

Chelsea are really pleased with Santos this season and his development at Strasbourg, which is a feeling shared by supporters as well.

It’s exciting when the Blues are linked with big talents such as Mainoo, but if everyone’s a little bit more patient for a few more months, they can welcome a new midfield star into their ranks instead in the shape of Santos.

Maresca views Santos as a big part of Chelsea’s project, so good things come to those who wait.

Andrey Santos is a Ligue 1 star

It’s fantastic to say that Chelsea already own one of the very best performers in the French top flight right now.

Here is a look at the top rated players in Ligue 1 so far this campaign:

Santos is going to feel like a new signing when he returns to West London, and we’re confident he can provide genuine competition in the centre of the park. There’s no doubt that this year in the French top division is proving to be invaluable for his progress and maturity as a player.

For Chelsea supporters that haven’t caught any Ligue 1 football recently, Blues loanee Santos is just as brilliant in possession as he is out of possession.