Atletico Madrid could explore the possibility of signing Chelsea prospect Andrey Santos on loan following his return from Nottingham Forest.
According to Fichajes, La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are interested in taking Andrey Santos on loan for the remainder of the season. The 19-year-old prospect has endured a tough start to life in England as he returned prematurely from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
Atletico Madrid to loan Andrey Santos?
Atletico Madrid have been in the market for a new midfielder since the summer, although they were more focused on bringing in an experienced professional. Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg remains a target. But there are complexities in signing the Danish international in January.
Diego Simeone may have already shifted his focus towards bringing someone young to provide the squad with a rotational option in January. Argentine prospect Federico Redondo emerged as a target, and now they are keen on Chelsea’s Andrey Santos.
The idea of signing Santos emerged in recent days as his profile would instead suit Atletico Madrid’s style of play. They are not eager to guarantee a starting role for the 19-year-old prospect but could afford to give him enough minutes as a rotational option.
Atletico are eager to find a loan agreement with Chelsea and could even include a buy option in the deal to make the signing permanent in the summer. The Blues might open the door for this idea, although they might prefer for him to go somewhere where regular first-team football awaits the 19-year-old prospect. There are other clubs like Newcastle Untied also interested, so the Blues can also find a permanent solution.
Is Andrey Santos’ Chelsea future in doubt?
Having arrived from Brazilian side Vasco Da Gama last January, Chelsea failed to integrate the midfielder amid issues with acquiring a work permit. He did impress with Mauricio Pochettino’s side during pre-season but was loaned out to Nottingham Forest before the closure of the summer transfer window.
While there were big expectations attached, Santos has barely made a dent at Forest, playing just seven minutes of Premier League action. Chelsea have since recalled him, but they may not have a place for the Brazilian in their current plans. Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Conor Gallagher already established in their midfield, while Romeo Lavia is waiting to make his debut.
Hence, there are short and long-term doubts about how Chelsea will integrate the Brazilian into their plans. They have already invested heavily in the midfield position Andrey Santos prefers, meaning the Blues might consider their options when the summer window opens.
