Arsenal ‘Considering’ Shock Move to Sign Chelsea Midfielder This Summer – Report | OneFootball

Arsenal Target Chelsea’s Andrey Santos in Midfield Shake-Up: A North London Power Play

As Mikel Arteta plots the next phase of Arsenal’s squad development, midfield has emerged as a clear priority. According to CaughtOffside, the Gunners have expressed interest in Chelsea’s highly-rated Brazilian talent, Andrey Santos—a player whose progress this season has captured the attention of clubs across Europe.

The 20-year-old has been nothing short of exceptional during his loan spell at Strasbourg, registering nine goals and four assists in 28 Ligue 1 appearances. Despite his impressive form, he has yet to be integrated into Enzo Maresca’s plans at Chelsea, a point that Arsenal appear poised to exploit.

CaughtOffside’s report suggests that “Arsenal are ‘eyeing a surprise transfer’ for Santos and are plotting a ‘raid’ on their London rivals.” With both Thomas Partey and Jorginho possibly heading for the exit, a dynamic, forward-thinking midfielder like Santos fits the bill for Arteta’s evolving blueprint.

Photo IMAGO

Competition Heating Up for Brazilian Starlet

It’s not just Arsenal monitoring Santos. CaughtOffside notes that the player’s performances in France have alerted “Tottenham, Newcastle, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan”—making this a transfer battle with international implications.

It was revealed earlier this month that Santos could seek a move “if he isn’t guaranteed playing time with Chelsea.” While Maresca reportedly wants to keep him involved next season, the increasing number of suitors signals that the decision may soon be out of Chelsea’s hands.

Moreover, it was previously reported that “Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest are both considering moves,” with six other Premier League clubs also making enquiries—adding weight to the notion that Chelsea may be forced into action.

Chelsea’s Risk of Losing a Future Star

Chelsea, it seems, are walking a tightrope. Promising Santos a first-team role next season is one thing, but delivering on that promise in a squad bursting with midfield talent is another challenge entirely. While Maresca is understood to want the Brazilian as part of his setup, the looming threat of losing him is becoming increasingly tangible.

Photo: IMAGO

CaughtOffside underscores this tension, quoting sources who say that “Santos’ suitors are keen to understand the potential conditions of a deal should he not be a regular feature for Chelsea next season.” If Chelsea can’t commit to giving him meaningful minutes, his openness to a move could signal an imminent departure.

Arsenal’s Strategic Bet on Youth and Versatility

For Arsenal, this move would align with Arteta’s broader philosophy of building a squad around youth, technical skill, and versatility. Santos’ ability to contribute defensively while also driving play forward mirrors the profile Arteta has favoured in recent years—similar to the recruitment of players like Declan Rice and Fabio Vieira.

Bringing in Santos would not only offer cover and competition in midfield but also represent a calculated gamble on a player who has shown his readiness at the top level of European football. With competition mounting, Arsenal’s willingness to strike early could prove decisive.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

There’s something undeniably thrilling about the idea of Arsenal swooping in for one of Chelsea’s most promising young players, especially at a time when the Blues appear unsure of how best to utilise their talent pipeline. Andrey Santos isn’t just a midfield project—he’s a ready-made star in the making, and his numbers in Ligue 1 prove that.

From a fan’s point of view, this feels like a smart move. We’ve seen what Arteta can do with emerging talent. Think about how players like Martin Ødegaard or William Saliba have flourished under his guidance. If Santos comes in, he’s likely to get real game time, especially if Partey and Jorginho move on.

It also sends a clear message: Arsenal are not afraid to make bold moves, even if it means poaching from their London rivals. And with Chelsea potentially dithering on Santos’ future, this could be the perfect window to strike.

What makes this even sweeter is the idea that Arsenal might outmanoeuvre not just Chelsea, but also clubs like PSG and AC Milan. If Edu and Arteta can pull this off, it’ll be one of the most shrewd pieces of business this summer—on par with the Rice signing.

Ultimately, it’s not just about strengthening the squad. It’s about psychological advantage, too. Winning this tug-of-war would show Arsenal mean business heading into next season.