Chelsea are set to make a significant profit on Andrey Santos this summer when his £50m move to Manchester United is confirmed, but will need to be smart in the transfer market to replace him.
Santos had been a reliable option to rotate into the Blues side, but making close to three times what they spent on him was an opportunity too good to pass up on.
The Blues already knew they needed to strengthen their midfield options with the risk of Enzo Fernandez leaving the club, however currently only have the options of Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and an injury-prone Romeo Lavia.
The Chelsea Chronicle have analysed three players who the Blues can bring in for a similar price they are going to receive for the Brazilian.
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Three possible replacements for Andrey Santos
Alex Scott
A fantastic season at Bournemouth has seen Alex Scott emerge on Chelsea’s shortlist as a potential new signing for the midfield this summer.
There was even talk of a swap deal including Santos, however that ship has now sailed and the Blues will need to spend big to bring the Englishman in.
Scott featured in all but one of Bournemouth’s games in the Premier League last season, and was one of the key reasons behind his side qualifying for European football.
He can count himself unlucky to not be part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at the World Cup, but is certainly good enough to take his talents to a bigger side than Bournemouth.
Johan Manzambi
One of the breakout stars of the World Cup, Johan Manzambi has proven to be one of Switzerland’s most dangerous players this summer.
His normal position is central midfield, although his eye for goal makes him a different option to what Santos provided the Blues.
At 20 years of age, he would still represent the promising youngster tag which Chelsea have built their project around.
He is already on the radar of clubs like Newcastle, and his price tag is only going up with each performance out in North America.
Enzo Fernandez needs to leave Chelsea for the good of the club 👋🏻
Thoughts?
Felix Nmecha
It has been widely reported that Xabi Alonso wants a physical injection into his midfield, and Felix Nmecha would represent that brilliantly.
At 6 foot 3, Nmecha would bring some much-needed height to the Chelsea side, although he is more than competent on the ball too.
Nmecha looked a crucial part of the Germany midfield before they were eliminated from the World Cup in shock fashion.
At 25 years of age, he has plenty of experience playing at the top level, something which Chelsea are looking to address in this transfer market,
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