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Chelsea deliver strong Andrey Santos stance, but things could change very quickly at Stamford Bridge
Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos has now returned to Chelsea following a very impressive season on loan at RC Strasbourg.
In 32 Ligue 1 appearances last term, Andrey Santos scored 10 goals and provided four assists, proving that he is ready to play a first team role at Chelsea.
However, after traveling to the United States with Enzo Maresca’s squad, Santos has played only 22 minutes at the tournament thus far.
Santos earned an assist in a cameo against Tunisian side Esperance Tunis, but has otherwise looked on from the bench.
French media were blown away by Santos on loan last season, but that form in France hasn’t immediately led to a flurry of chances under Maresca, who is blessed with several options in the middle.
Chelsea have no plans to sell Andrey Santos as things stand
That being said, Graeme Bailey, chief correspondent at TBR Football, has now provided an insight into Santos’ situation at Chelsea.
And whilst decision-makers at Stamford Bridge are communicating that Santos is a part of Maresca’s plans, that’s a situation that could still change very quickly.
READ MORE: John Obi Mikel says Liam Delap has already really clicked with one Chelsea player
Bailey explained: “Chelsea are briefing that Santos is fully part of their plans — that was always the case.
“Obviously during the Club World Cup he hasn’t been massively involved, so let’s see how it goes.
“I think Chelsea are very open with what they want to do with him. As it stands, they are saying that he stays and is part of the first team squad, but could that change? Of course it could.
“This is Chelsea we’re talking about, and from that point of view, if you’re not hitting your straps then there won’t be a place for you in the squad.
“I think Santos is going to have to really impress and impress quickly otherwise there won’t be a future for him at Stamford Bridge.”
Chelsea were always planning to have three strikers next season
Of course, one of the other situations causing intrigue at Chelsea right now is the fact that Maresca is set to begin next season with three first-choice worthy strikers.
Chelsea have agreed to sign Joao Pedro and he’ll join both Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson at Stamford Bridge next season.
And whilst many fans are now wondering if Jackson might leave as a result, Bailey explained that Chelsea were always planning to have three options up top.
He said: “I understand that Chelsea were always considering going into next season with a third striker.
“They were looking at Emegha from Strasbourg, but now they’re considering him for next year instead.
“Chelsea always had the consideration that they wanted to get three players up top, and I guess they would argue that they always classed Nkunku as a striker, even if it never worked out in that manner.
“So I’m led to believe that Pedro is replacing Nkunku — that’s the way they see it.”
An exciting summer for the Blues thus far, and Chelsea do believe that they can somewhat challenge for the Premier League title in the season to come.