Chelsea star wanted by Arsenal this summer reveals why he turned down transfer

Andrey Santos’ World Cup dream was the driving factor behind his decision to snub a lucrative summer switch to Saudi Arabia. The Chelsea star was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge during the closing days of the transfer window.

Clubs in the Middle East were apparently considering him, while Chelsea ’s London rivals, Arsenal , were also reportedly mulling over a late swoop . But Brazilian midfielder Santos turned down an exit, preferring to stay with Chelsea to try and earn enough minutes to earn a spot in the Brazil squad for next summer’s World Cup.

“The offer did arrive, but I immediately declined because of my dream and main goal, which is the World Cup,” he said to Trivela. “I know that being at Chelsea and in the Premier League gives me better chances than in Saudi Arabia. That was the main factor in my response to them.”

Santos, 21, joined Chelsea from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama in 2023. He then endured a very frustrating period on loan with Nottingham Forest , playing just two games before being moved to BlueCo’s other club Strasbourg.

He shone for the French side during the 2024/25 campaign, netting 11 goals in 34 appearances. And Santos has now managed to break into the first-team at Chelsea, playing a full role at the Club World Cup, while he has already made three appearances this term.

“I really enjoy playing defensive midfielder, I even think it’s my main position, because I grew up as a defensive midfielder,” he added when asked about his role at Chelsea. “But when I moved up to Vasco, it was as a defensive midfielder. At Chelsea, I play a bit further forward, but I feel comfortable playing in both positions.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca gave his thoughts on Santos in the closing days of the window and admitted that he was keen on the midfielder staying. He said: "First of all, I am very happy with Andrey and the idea that Andrey stays here with us.

"He can play in Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo's positions for sure. He played one game in the Club World Cup against Palmeiras where he was very good as a number six. So he can play in both positions very well."

Santos was called up into the latest Brazil squad by Carlo Ancelotti. He was introduced as a substitute in the 3-0 win against Chile in World Cup qualifying and will also hope to earn minutes against Bolivia next week.

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