Barcelona are exploring a move for rising Chelsea star Andrey Santos
Spanish giants Barcelona are considering an approach for Chelsea sensation Andrey Santos, who has been been struggling to get game-time at Premier League side Nottingham Forest.
According to Sport, (h/t ESPN) the Catalan giants earlier identified Santos as the perfect replacement for former player Sergio Busquets. As things stand, Oriol Romeu remains the only senior defensive midfielder on the club’s roster following Busquets’ exit.
The club’s sporting director, Deco, has said there is a great relationship with Santos’ agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, which could pave the way for the Blaugrana to land the Blues man.
Barcelona did make a move for the player in July before signing Oriol Romeu instead. However, after failing to sign the Brazilian midfielder in July, the Catalan club could once again contemplate making a move in January as the youngster struggles to earn game time at Nottingham Forest.
Although the West Londoners will have to assess if the midfielder will get game time this season in the Premier League. If not, then we can send him on loan to Barcelona, who have a tradition of developing youngsters. But then it is debatable if the Spaniards are keen on a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer.
We have witnessed the likes of Gavi, Pedri, Fermin Lopez, and now Lamine Yamal burst onto the scene at the Nou Camp. Santos could also get the chance to play alongside such talented midfielders as La Masia continues to make a comeback.
It’s unclear, though, if they intend to recruit him permanently or on a temporary basis. Given that we would undoubtedly demand a hefty price, it is quite improbable that Barcelona possess the financial resources to sign him on a permanent basis.
However, if his playing time at Forest remains limited, Chelsea will need to take a call. Andrey Santos is too prodigious to waste away on the bench and not playing regularly will only set back his development.
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Depending on how things turn out, hopefully, Steve Cooper will give the Brazilian midfielder adequate playing time. If not, it remains to be seen how Chelsea respond.