標籤: Chelseas

chelsea’s The long-planned move for Giovani Quenda is now closer to becoming reality, and Sporting is already feeling the emotional side of it.

After spending the season amidst the title race, overcoming injuries and constantly focusing on his future, the 19-year-old is now officially saying goodbye to the club where it all started.

And watching his farewell interview with Sporting TV, broadcast by the Portuguese outlet to ballThis has hurt him more deeply than expected.

“it’s not goodbye”

Quenda will arrive at Chelsea this summer after the Blues agreed a deal worth around £43.5m (€50m+) for the winger last year.

The plan always included staying in Lisbon for another season before moving to Stamford Bridge. Since then, that final campaign has included almost everything imaginable.

He suffered a long-term injury after fracturing his foot, with rehabilitation work in London under the care of Chelsea. Then their return and their final home match in Lisbon was filled with emotional messages.

Now comes the real farewell. Speaking in a recent interview, Kwenda admitted that he was seriously struggling with the idea of ​​leaving Sporting.

“I had nights when I couldn’t sleep because it was so difficult for me to say goodbye to a club that helped me and my family so much. It’s a very special club to me,” He said.

“The club will always be in my heart. There’s no way I can thank Sporting for how they treated my parents and my family.”

At several moments, the winger reportedly had to pause to wipe away tears.

Chelsea are getting a player who is deeply connected to Sporting

Giovanni Quenda joined Sporting in his childhood and worked his way up through the years to reach the first team.

He eventually achieved that dream under Rubén Amorim, continuing to gain confidence from Rui Borges despite difficult moments following the latter’s injury return.

The winger made 20 Liga Portugal appearances this season, scoring twice and providing five assists in over 1,000 league minutes.

Kwenda repeatedly returned to the emotional connection with Sporting rather than focusing on statistics or the move to Chelsea.

“I’m more mature now, with a bit more experience, although there’s still a lot to live up to for me in football,” he explained.

“But Sporting helped me a lot. I will always keep Sporting in my heart. This is not goodbye, see you soon. I hope one day I can wear a Sporting shirt again.”

One last memory before Stamford Bridge

Kwenda also spoke warmly of many people around the club. He thanked Rui Borges for having faith in him, especially during difficult times after his injury.

“He always talked to me, even when I was not at my best. He always helped me, gave me minutes and played with me.”

There was room for light memories too. Quenda laughed, recalling coach Ricardo Esgio’s approach in training.

“Esgio would kick me a lot during training and then say it was so I could learn, because football was not easy.”

Now, Chelsea are preparing to welcome one of Portugal’s biggest talents. But he is also inheriting a player who clearly never thought that leaving Sporting would affect him so much.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has flown to London to meet Joao Pedro’s agents ahead of a potential move chelsea star.

Sports report, in a special, The sporting director has flown to London to meet Brazil’s representatives amid difficulties signing Julian Alvarez.

main target is chelsea

The newspaper reports that Barcelona have already identified their main targets for the upcoming transfer window, and right now, Joao Pedro is one of the top targets.

The Chelsea man is the name that has ‘generated the most consensus’ among the club’s sporting management.

The people in charge of Camp Nou respect the Brazilians very much. The feeling is that he possesses many of the qualities Barcelona are looking for in their center forward of the future.

According to information received by Sport from ‘sources close to the player’, Deco has flown to London to meet Joao Pedro’s agents.

He could also take advantage of his stay in England to watch the FA Cup final. Joao Pedro is likely to start the game for Chelsea when they take on Manchester City at Wembley.

Barcelona is planning slowly

Reportedly, the visit has been kept ‘top secret’ within Barcelona. The Catalan giants want to move forward with ‘sufficient time and foresight’.

The economics of the deal will require calm and careful planning. A face-to-face meeting with João Pedro during his visit is ‘not out of the question’.

Barcelona’s management believes that the Brazilian fits perfectly into the current team. He is considered a modern striker, with obvious technical quality and youth. At the moment, he is the clear favorite to become Barcelona’s number nine ahead of Julian Alvarez.

They also know that getting him out of Chelsea will not be an easy task. Work will need to be done to create salary space in their squad and finalize departures before a deal can be done. But Deco’s visit to London is a clear signal of Barcelona’s intentions this summer.

chelsea’s It is becoming easier to understand the interest in Victor Frohold at FC Porto with each passing week.

The midfielder has become one of the faces of Porto’s title-winning campaigns. He is one of the most talked about young midfielders in Europe. Furthermore, he has increasingly become a player Premier League clubs are drawing serious plans around.

Chelsea is one of the most linked clubs Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United. However, there is an extra layer added to the Blues’ situation with uncertainty surrounding Enzo Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge.

According to the Portuguese press, Chelsea are interested Directly linked to Enzo’s eventual departure. This background helps to explain why the London Club has intensified its monitoring of the freehold.

And Dane’s praise from all quarters is growing louder.

Porto is already thinking long term

Francesco Farioli has now publicly addressed the growing relocation noise around Freehold. Furthermore, his comments left no doubt as to Porto’s intentions.

talking to gameThe Porto manager pointed directly to the midfielder’s own recent comments regarding his desire to stay. He also wants to play Champions League football with the club next season.

“I think his words after the last game were very clear about where he wants to play next season and how he feels here at FC Porto.” Farioli said.

The Italian also made Porto’s wider strategy very clear.

“There is a clear desire and intention to move forward on the right path, trying to keep the best players and progress this group.”

Farioli also confirmed that talks are already taking place behind the scenes ahead of the summer market.

“There are discussions and negotiations with players, agents and clubs to understand the situation,” Emphasizing that Porto wants to be, he explained “Ready to make the right decision when the market comes.”

This is in line with what has been consistently coming out of Portugal in recent weeks. Porto want to keep Froholdt as a core part of the team. This is especially important ahead of their return to the Champions League after two years away.

“A unique player”

In fact the loudest praise is coming from Denmark. game This week we spoke to former Copenhagen academy coordinator Martin Wingard and former Denmark international Morten Bisgaard. Both personalities worked closely with Frohold before his rise to prominence in Porto.

Both paint a picture of a player whose mentality set him apart long before he reached senior football.

“He was always a hard-working player with a top-level mentality,” Vineyard explained.

The former academy coordinator revealed that Fröholdt consistently dominated every race and endurance test at the Copenhagen Academy, even when more attention was given to the bigger talents around him.

“When it comes to hard work, no one can beat Froholdt.”

Wingard also highlighted the midfielder’s consistency and mentality in big matches.

“He loves big games and is never afraid,” the former coach explained before adding another line that comes up when discussing Froholdt’s influence.

“It was always easy to notice whether he was on the pitch or not.”

He also believes that Porto have found the ideal role for the midfielder. While Denmark has used Froholdt in a number of positions, Wingard feels the Porto system allows him to show his best qualities as a number eight.

“He just loves playing football. He doesn’t care who he’s facing, he just wants to play well and win.”

Bisgaard was equally powerful.

“He is a unique player,” the former Udinese striker said while discussing Froholdt’s rise.

“You have Messi and Ronaldo, who are incredibly good because of the goals they score, but Frohold’s mentality and dedication could make him one of the best players in Europe.”

“What surprised me was how quickly he reached the second level in Portugal,” Bisgaard explained.

“He was very good at under-17 level, brilliant at under-19, but when he reached the Copenhagen first team he immediately became extraordinary. He has done exactly that at FC Porto.”

Bisgaard even suggested that Fröhold should stay in Portugal for the next one, two or three seasons as the club provided the stability needed for the next stage of his development.

“If he continues like this, he will become FC Porto’s next big sale”He concluded.

what happens next

Chelsea’s interest is unlikely to wane, especially as questions over Enzo Fernandez continue to loom in the background.

At the same time, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle are firmly in the race, and Porto are aware that the summer market could move very quickly once formal discussions have begun.

However, the player wants to stay. The manager wants to keep him. Porto wants to build around him. So this combination could ultimately delay any immediate Premier League move, even though England’s biggest clubs are already preparing themselves for the future.

chelsea With Estevao’s World Cup hopes now looking to fade into the background, the Brazilian has already begun to shape Carlo Ancelotti’s team plans with the expectation that the teenager will not recover in time.

For weeks, the situation revolved around treatment decisions, medical disagreements and increasingly desperate attempts to keep a small window open.

Estevao and his camp prompted conservative treatment. Chelsea was initially inclined towards surgery. Brazil waited in between, hoping for good news that never came.

Now, the tone coming from inside the Brazilian setup sounds different. Less hopeful. More practical.

Brazil is already adapting to life without Estevao

according to globo esporteThere is now expectation within the Brazilian FA that Estevao will not even be included in the initial 55-man squad submitted to FIFA.

Until recently, the talk was about whether he could recover quickly enough to force his way into the final 26-man group. Now, the debate has increasingly focused on replacing them altogether.

The report suggests that Ancelotti and his staff are already re-evaluating the balance of the squad due to injuries. One of the major discussions concerns the distribution between midfielders and forwards. Estevao’s absence changes that equation.

Brazil were initially working on the idea of ​​five midfielders and nine attacking players. With Chelsea’s youngster now looking unlikely, that structure could change completely.

The implications are already in place elsewhere in the squad plan.

The article points to Bournemouth’s Ryan emerging as an option on the right side of attack due to the possible absence of Estevao.

Meanwhile, Andre Santos is also facing uncertainty amid questions over his difficult season at Chelsea.

It is becoming impossible to avoid the injury battle

As we followed closelyAfter struggling with muscular problems earlier this year, the 19-year-old almost completely tore his hamstring. Chelsea saw surgery as the safest long-term route. Estevao and his crew chose conservative treatment, hoping to maintain a path to the tournament.

That route is now underway in Brazil, with the players using the facilities in Palmeiras while continuing to be monitored by Chelsea staff and their personal performance team. So technically, the door remains open.

However, realistically, Brazil is preparing to shut it down.

The calendar has become the biggest enemy. Ancelotti announced his final squad on 18 May. Brazil will open the tournament against Morocco on June 13. Even a quick recovery will leave almost no margin for proper reintegration.

what chelsea always wanted

Even through various means, Chelsea can see events happening The conclusion they always wanted.

The club never appeared comfortable with the idea of ​​bringing Estevao back from such a serious muscle injury so soon, especially given his age and recent history. It was his fifth absence of the season, including recurring muscle problems.

From Chelsea’s point of view, the World Cup is always hidden behind the bigger picture.

They have invested heavily in one of the brightest talents in Brazilian football. Maintaining his long-term physical condition is more important than forcing him to commit to any one tournament, even an important one like the World Cup.

Brazil, meanwhile, is slowly accepting that reality. Of course, hope is not entirely lost. But the conversation has clearly moved from optimism to contingency planning.

Last week, Sport Witness covered a front page report from Spain on Barcelona’s interest chelseaMark Cucurella.

The source said the left-back wants to leave Chelsea following turmoil following Enzo Maresca’s exit in January.

This report came out a few days later The Spanish press initially covered Barcelona’s desire to snatch him from Chelsea.

Hansi Flick has Alejandro Balde and Gerard Martin as his two left-backs at the Camp Nou and it has been claimed that Barca are open to the sale of Balde.

Cucurella is not the only one on the La Liga winners’ radar for the left-back position. The Brazilian’s latest claims reflect their interest in AS Monaco’s Caio Henrique.

Chelsea star signing complicated

game Broadcast Brazil’s claims and then explain how Barcelona and AS Monaco could work on a potential deal.

Barca’s Ansu Fati is on loan at the Ligue 1 side, and the winger could be used in any talks for Caio Henrique.

Mark Cucurella and Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo are also on the Catalan club’s shortlist.

There are claims the Spain international wants to leave Stamford Bridge after this season. However, it will be difficult for the fullback to return to Barcelona in the next window.

SPORT STATE It will be complicated for Barça to sign the 27-year-old Chelsea player due to his price.

sports world Also broadcast the claims of Henrique as an option for the Spanish giants and then talk about Cucurella.

The Blues defender was initially their priority target but Chelsea have now set a high price for him. There is no mention of the figure but whatever it is, it is enough for Barcelona to pique their interest.

It seems that Hansi Flick’s team has given up on him and are now focusing on options like Grimaldo.

Our opinion: The Spaniard should stay at Chelsea

Mark Cucurella’s contract is until 2028, and transfer market He is worth €50 million.

It is unclear whether any of the top European clubs will be able to meet Chelsea’s price for Mark Cucurella. Therefore, he should remain in the English capital beyond the next window.

The fullback has played 3,437 minutes in 45 matches for the Premier League side this season.

Estevao’s injury is not as bad as claimed chelsea The youngster is still expected to be fit for the World Cup this summer.

Journalist Eduardo Burgos Everyone has been urged to “take it easy” on the 18-year-old after reports today suggested the 18-year-old could be sidelined for a long period of time.

World Cup worries

Estevao suffered a hamstring injury during last weekend’s Premier League defeat to Manchester United.

Reports in England then said it was a grade four injury, ruling the Brazilian out of Chelsea for the remainder of the season. He also claimed that he is unlikely to play for Brazil in the World Cup this summer.

But Burgos wants to pour cold water on the situation. He emphasizes that everyone should “take a relaxed approach” about moving forward.

According to their information, Estevao will not play in Chelsea’s remaining matches. But he still has a good chance of making it to the World Cup. His recovery ahead of the tournament is now ‘absolute priority’.

He says in another tweet That a hamstring injury will keep Estevao out for ’20-30 days’. The forward is currently avoiding surgery.

Brazil is now in limbo and waiting to see what happens. His hope is to miss as many group stages as possible. GE Globo reports that Estevao is in talks with Chelsea Will have to return to Brazil for treatment. This will allow the Brazilian to remain in constant contact with the Blues regarding his situation.

chelsea in control

However, Chelsea will want to ensure that Estevao is not rushed into recovering from such an injury if he is to become Brazil’s poster boy this summer.

This is the fifth injury for this young player this season. While the age of two of them has been reduced due to illness, This is his second hamstring injuryAnd he also suffered a muscle injury in December.

He also had a hamstring injury which ruled him out for 19 days during his stay at Palmeiras. This should raise alarm bells, as he returned from a 25-day absence only last month. That was also his hamstring.

It would be foolish at least to recall him prematurely just for the World Cup. Especially when at the age of 18 he will have a lot of tournaments ahead of him.

Chelsea’s long-term plans for Giovani Quenda are now entering a decisive phase, with the winger back in Lisbon and immediately pushing for minutes with Sporting ahead of their Champions League clash against Arsenal.

The 18-year-old has not played since the beginning of December, when a fractured fifth metatarsal Decreased his speed during strong form.

At the time, Kwenda had already scored 5 goals and provided 8 assists in 22 matches, underscoring why Chelsea moved quickly to secure him in a deal worth £43.5m (€50.7m).

Since then, Chelsea have taken full control of his recovery. Surgery, rehabilitation and even physical development were carried out at Cobham, with the club extending his stay to build muscle and prepare him for the demands of the Premier League.

That work now seems to be bearing fruit.

immediate return to planned work

As we covered last weekendGiovanni Quenda returned to Lisbon on Saturday. But according to Portuguese outlets ball And recordThe young player is already training normally with Sporting.

There are no physical restrictions, and that’s the main detail.

after completing my recovery program in londonThe winger is expected to integrate straight into Rui Borges’ squad, including recent on-pitch work. Reports indicate that he could also be included in the squad to face Santa Clara this week.

However, the larger focus is clear. Kwenda is expected to feature against Arsenal in the Champions League on 7 April, in what could be his first appearance in almost four months.

Chelsea’s role is important in that. The final weeks of his recovery were deliberately extended to ensure that he returned not only fit, but physically strong and ready for high-intensity matches.

Chelsea’s plans are already shaping up to be the Kwenda effect

Giovani Quenda returns to Sporting in a very different position to the player who left in December.

Medical tests performed at the end of his program confirmed full recovery of mobility even under maximum load. This removes the last doubt on their readiness.

Chelsea also used the final phase of her rehabilitation to increase her muscle mass and improve her physical profile. This is in line with their long-term vision preparing him for english football.

This explains why his return was delayed earlier this month.

Rather than recall him, Chelsea decided to have the procedure completed in London. The priority was clear – avoid setbacks and prepare a player for immediate performance.

supported chelsea’s success

Giovani Quenda’s path to Stamford Bridge is also being supported by someone who knows his development closely.

Talking to Portuguese outlet Renaissance RadioCongolese coach Busoula Lemba – who worked with Kwenda during his youth academy days – expressed confidence in the winger’s prospects in England.

“It would be good. He is a young player with a lot of ambition. He wants to finish this last part of the season on a high level so he can be well prepared to join Chelsea. And he will have the chance to do that.” He said.

Basoula also believes the youngster still has a chance to reach the 2026 World Cup with Portugal.

“That would be the perfect scenario. He has already shown that he can get there. It’s not too late. He may be a little late compared to others because of his recent injury. But one never knows, football can change very quickly.”

That outside support reinforces Chelsea’s internal confidence. The club have already invested heavily in Kwenda, and everything in recent months suggests that they are moving towards a player who is ready to make an impact soon.

Next steps for Giovanni Quenda

Giovani Quenda now faces a short but intense final phase with Sporting. He will try to regain his place on the right wing, where Jenny Catamo had stepped in during his absence. The competition is real, but Kwenda’s performances early this season suggest he will be expected to play.

There is also internal motivation to finish strong. He is aiming for double figures for both goals and assists, while also aiming to leave Sporting with silverware.

From Chelsea’s perspective, the next few weeks are all about rhythm and match fitness.

If Kwenda can integrate quickly and contribute in key fixtures – particularly against Arsenal – then he will arrive in London this summer not as a project, but as a player ready to compete.

🇸🇪Lucas Bergvall | Sweden’s big claim

📰 Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported today that Aston Villa and Chelsea were willing to pay £40million in January.
➡️Tottenham are likely to be contacted again…especially if relegatedhttps://t.co/afpNRuChnV #avfc #cfc #thfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 1, 2026

Chelsea have been tracking Cruzeiro youngster Felipe Moraes for months, and his initial move now provides important context for the latest developments in Brazil.

As we covered at the timeThe Blues offered €10m (£8.6m) for the 17-year-old attacking midfielder to test the waters. The approach comes despite the player already having a release clause of €100m (£86m) for international clubs. This was a typical low-entry move for a high-level talent.

At the same time, interest has not been limited to Chelsea. Atletico Madrid are monitoring the situation, while Barcelona previously made inquiries. It’s a crowded race being built around one of Brazil’s most promising teenagers.

Rising profile after international exposure

The rise of Felipe Morris makes that focus clear. He impressed for Brazil at the U17 World Cup, appearing in seven of eight matches and scoring twice. His impact came from his ability to drop deep, control pace and connect attacks.

That profile has been consistent throughout his development. Since joining Cruzeiro in 2017, he has progressed through every youth level at the club. He has played 72 matches in the academy system and scored 13 goals, often wearing the captain’s armband.

His role has also evolved. Initially a central midfielder, he now plays in multiple attacking positions. That versatility increases his appeal to clubs like Chelsea, who prefer an adaptable profile.

Cruzeiro has been aware of the growing interest for some time. Internally, the player has already been monitored by the senior setup, with a view to integrating him more regularly.

Cruzeiro responded with contract move

Following that increased attention, Felipe Moraes’ situation has now taken a clear turn.

Cruzeiro have made a move to secure the teenager with a new contract running until 2029, as reported globo esporte In Brazil. The deal retains the €100m (£86m) international release clause, strengthening the club’s stance.

From Chelsea’s point of view, this changes the short-term outlook. The previous bid established interest, but Cruzeiro’s renewal shows they are not ready for quick negotiations.

Instead, the Brazilian side appears focused on growth and value growth. With hopes of more first-team appearances, they are preparing Moraes for a big step up in the future.

what happens next

The Blues have already taken their first steps, which puts them ahead of the curve in terms of laying the groundwork. However, any immediate deal now seems unlikely given Cruzeiro’s situation.

If his trajectory continues, the €100m (£86m) clause could be more than a symbolic figure. At that point, Chelsea and the others must decide how far they are willing to go.

For now, Cruzeiro has regained control of the situation – and Chelsea are watching the next phase unfold.

Chelsea’s growing influence in South America could take another step forward, with fresh details emerging about a potential partnership with River Plate.

The idea of ​​two clubs forming a relationship focused on young talent spread quickly across Europe this week. Now, outlets in Argentina are providing a clearer picture of what that might actually look like in practice.

The reports from the Argentine press all point in the same direction – a strategic agreement that would reshape the way Chelsea operate in the South American market, while giving River Plate new access to elite-level prospects.

How the conversation started – Kendry Pays as the trigger

The current negotiations stemmed from discussions candy page.

Chelsea’s decision to send the Ecuadorian youngster on loan to River Plate has opened the door to something big. According to Infobae, negotiations around that deal quickly moved beyond a simple loan to a broader collaboration.

TYC Sports Reinforce that perspective. They described Paez’s move as a “first step” towards a wider agreement between the two clubs focusing on youth development and player pathways.

Chelsea have already created a multi-club structure through Bluco, with Strasbourg serving as a major European hub. Expanding that network into South America, even informally, will give them earlier access to talent and greater control over development pathways.

Priority section and transfer control

The most important detail in the proposed agreement is the level of control that Chelsea can gain.

infobae Report that River Plate will receive priority access to any Chelsea player made available for loan. This would give the Argentine club a clear advantage over its competitors by being strengthened with young prospects.

Also, Chelsea will get a big advantage of their own. The Premier League side will have the right to match any offer received by River for one of their players.

That system is already familiar to other areas of River’s business. However, applying it to player transfers would give Chelsea first refusal on some of South America’s most valuable emerging talent.

TyC Sports adds another layer. He claims the agreement could streamline deals for Rivers academy players moving to Chelsea, making negotiations faster and more predictable.

In practice, this creates a two-way pipeline. River gains access to Chelsea’s surplus talent, while Chelsea put themselves first in line for the next big sale of River.

Bluco strategy and South America expansion

It fits well into Chelsea’s broader strategy under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

The club already uses Strasbourg to manage player development in Europe. A similar relationship with Rivers would extend that model to a market that consistently produces high-value talent.

The Millionaire Page Highlight that River has explored similar partnerships before, including talks with Real Madrid. However, nothing came of it at that time.

This time it feels different. And the presence of Enzo Fernandez as ‘group leader’ at Chelsea strengthens the connection, while Páez’s move shows there is already operational alignment there.

what happens next

Despite extensive reporting, the agreement has not yet been finalized.

Infobae stressed that talks would continue, with no official confirmation from either club. La Página Millonaria also notes that key elements still need to be formalized, including the precise structure of the transfer and priority rights.

Still the direction is clear. Chelsea are looking to strengthen their presence in South America. River Plate is open to a model that gives them a competitive advantage without large upfront expenses.

If completed, it would not be a standard partnership. This will be a strategic alignment that will reshape the way both clubs operate in the transfer market.

For Chelsea, it provides earlier access to specific prospects and tighter control over player routes. For Rivers, it provides a steady flow of talent and a strong position in the conversation.

And for the broader market, it could set a precedent that others would quickly want to follow.

🇵🇹 Maxi Araújo | tottenham and chelsea keen

✈️ Both clubs sent officials this week
⚽️Saw Uruguay score important goals
🔁The 26-year-old versatile fullback
📊 €80m clause to be negotiatedhttps://t.co/noKuKvwg6h #thfc #cfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 21 March 2026

Manchester United are being linked with a possible move for Andre SantosReports from the Brazilian suggest the midfielder could attract interest in the summer window despite yet to establish himself at Chelsea.

According to Brazilian outlet NT VascanosThe 21-year-old is well-liked at Stamford Bridge but is not considered untouchable. As a result, major European clubs are keeping an eye on his situation ahead of the next transfer window.

Manchester United are mentioned as the main candidates who are currently keeping a close eye on the midfielder. Meanwhile, Juventus are also said to follow the development.

Current situation at Chelsea

The claims come at an interesting moment in Andre Santos’ season. Under manager Liam Rosenior, the Brazilian has begun to earn regular minutes has become a more visible part Chelsea’s midfield structure.

Rosenior has already worked with him at RC Strasbourg, where the midfielder enjoyed one of the best spells of his young career. That connection has helped them Settle into a deeper role at Chelsea.

Despite the increased involvement, the report insists Chelsea will still consider offers if the right offer comes along this summer.

According to reports from Brazil, Santos’ market value is currently around €40m – around £34m – depending on speculation. transfer market.

Why does this matter to Manchester United?

From Manchester United’s perspective, it would make sense to monitor Santos. The Brazilian remains one of the more interesting young midfielders to emerge from Brazil in recent years.

With Casemiro set to leave, Andri could play a key role at Old Trafford. At 21, he offers long-term benefits while still gaining experience in European football.

The presence of Juventus in the picture also suggests that the situation could develop into a wider European race if Chelsea agrees to negotiate.

There is also a secondary angle in Brazil. Santos came through the academy at Vasco da Gama. This means that if he is sold the Rio de Janeiro club would be entitled to a 2.5% solidarity payment. So a transfer in the region of €40m (£34m) would generate a useful bonus for his former side.

what happens next

For now, the story appears to be in the early monitoring stage rather than advanced conversations. Chelsea still control the player’s future and he continues to get minutes under Rosenior.

However, with Manchester United and Juventus reportedly keeping a close eye, Andre Santos could become another young Premier League midfielder to attract widespread European attention as the summer window approaches.

Chelsea hero Eden Hazard has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain tried every year to sign him with the Blues.

Hazard was a guest on RMC’s “Nuits du Cazare Enchaine” program on Friday evening. During that show, he revealed PSG’s relentless efforts to get him from Chelsea during his career.

The Belgian player, now retired, played for Lille, Chelsea and then Real Madrid in his career. Arguably, his time at Stamford Bridge was his most successful.

Chelsea’s success meant no need to leave

Hazard joined Chelsea in 2012 after a European battle for his signature and became one of their greatest players. Most would also like to include him in his best ever Premier League performance.

He played a total of 352 matches for the Blues and scored 110 goals during this period. This led them to two Premier League titles, two Europa League titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup. He was also voted Chelsea’s Player of the Year four times, a record at Stamford Bridge.

Moving to Real Madrid in 2019 fulfilled a childhood dream. But despite the record transfer fee, he failed to live up to expectations. Injuries caused him to play only 76 times before his contract expired a year early.

PSG rejected again

It was a disappointing end to his previously illustrious career at Chelsea. And things could have been very different. Hazard has now revealed that he was constantly targeted by PSG throughout his time in England.

“Every year I have contact with PSG,” He said.

“In my mind, it was very clear. When I left Lille, I said to myself: ‘I would not want to return to France to play for any other club than Lille. If I ever come back, it will be to play for Lille, for example to finish my career.’ For the people of Lille, for the North, I didn’t want to play for PSG.

“It was a great club. Nasser (Al-Khelaifi) was coming, there was a lot of money, and they always had a team capable of playing in the Champions League.

“Because things were going very well at Chelsea, my dream was to go to Real Madrid later, not PSG and then go to Real Madrid.”