BARCELONA are targeting Chelsea wonderkid Andrey Santos – despite him never making a first team appearance for Chelsea.
Santos only joined Chelsea in January from Brazilian side Vasco De Gama for a fee that could rise to £18million.
Santos has not made a senior appearance for Chelsea since joining
He was loaned straight back to his parent club and only joined up with Chelsea for the first time when pre-season training began last week.
The Daily Mail report that Barcelona are in for the youngster as they look for a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.
Barcelona manager Xavi and sporting director Deco are big fans of Santos and have held talks with Chelsea representatives over a possible transfer.
Benfica and Porto have also shown interest in a loan move for the youngster but Mauricio Pochettino would like a better look at the midfielder before any decision is made.
Despite not making a senior appearance for Chelsea, the midfielder has impressed for Brazil‘s national side – having received a call up to the senior squad after a fine Under-20 World Cup.
He made his senior debut for Brazil after coming off the bench in their 2-1 friendly loss to Morocco in March.
Speaking about the experience he said: “It is an incredible experience. A dream come true, I’m very happy.
“I feel at home, they welcomed me very well. Being at Casemiro‘s side, at the side of an idol, is a dream for me. I’m living a dream, and it’s helping me a lot.
“And I hope to be able to reciprocate his help on the field and the experience he gave me too.”
Chelsea are open to selling players as they look to trim their previously bloated squad.
Young players are key to Todd Boehly‘s Chelsea strategy so it is unlikely The Blues would be keen to sell Santos unless Poch deems him surplus to requirements.
Chelsea have let go of ten players already this summer as they trim down their previously bloated squad.
Mason Mount’s £55million transfer to Manchester United was confirmed this week as he followed Arsenal-bound Kai Havertz out the door.
They join Chelsea’s list of Saudi transfers with Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and N’golo Kante all leaving the club.
Matteo Kovacic, Cesar Azpilicueta and Tiemoue Bakayoko have all also left the club.
