What Andrey Santos to Manchester United could mean for Chelsea and Aurelien Tchouameni

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Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Manchester United are interested in both Andrey Santos and Aurelien Tchouameni.

United’s interest in Santos stems from the fact that they may not be able to sign Tchouameni this summer.

If United are not in a position to add Tchouameni to their squad, the likelihood is Chelsea are not either after their disastrous 2025/26 season.

However, while the Red Devils turn their attention to Santos, it gives the Blues a chance to start seriously working on a Tchouameni deal and seeing if it is possible.

Andrey Santos joining Manchester United could give Chelsea easier run at Aurelien Tchouameni

As well as United, Chelsea are also thought to have Tchouameni on their shortlist of midfielder targets.

Towards the end of May, it was reported that Tchouameni is one player Chelsea are interested in taking from Real Madrid if Enzo Fernandez moves to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Of course, Real Madrid are no longer planning on signing Fernandez, but Tchouameni could still be available.

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And with United now focusing on Santos, now is the time for Chelsea to strike if they really do want the Frenchman.

Tchouameni could be a really good partner for Moises Caicedo in the middle, so Chelsea should be all over this. The 26-year-old is an exceptional midfielder.

Andrey Santos and Aurelien Tchouameni compared

Santos is a good player and many would be sad to see him leave Stamford Bridge this summer. However, it is clear that Tchouameni would be an upgrade on the Brazil international.

For example, according to Scout Lab, Tchouameni makes 13.52 forward passes and 3.98 progressive passes per 90 minutes.

Santos, on the other hand, only completes 10.97 forward passes and 2.51 progressive passes per 90 minutes.

• READ MORE: Two winners and losers at Chelsea if Andrey Santos joins Manchester United

Tchouameni has also had more success at winning the ball back, though Santos’ numbers are not bad either.

Tchouameni makes 4.37 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, while Santos makes 3.75. From United’s perspective, then, perhaps they see the latter as a much cheaper alternative to the former.