Chelsea transfer news: Andrey Santos ‘turns down’ Saudi Pro League club despite offer of eye-watering salary increase KIK BALL

Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos has reportedly rejected an offer to leave Stamford Bridge.

Having starred at fellow BlueCo-owned club Strasbourg last season, Santos is finally being handed an opportunity to impress with Chelsea.

The 21-year-old has been introduced as a substitute in each of the club’s opening three Premier League fixtures, accumulating a total of 48 minutes.

However, the Brazil international is aware that he is only viewed as backup to Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez at this stage.

As such, Santos theoretically had a decision to make when a team from the Saudi Pro League allegedly expressed an interest in his signature.

Chelsea midfielder rejects Saudi Arabia move

According to UOL, Al Quadisiya were prepared to provide Santos with wages that were worth five times more than he is earning in West London.

Furthermore, the Saudi Arabian outfit are also said to have offered £60m to Chelsea to sell one of their most highly-regarded newcomers.

Nevertheless, Santos allegedly turned down the chance to earn nearly £7m per year in the Middle East.

Santos’ preference is said to be on trying to earn regular chances with Chelsea in the Premier League and Champions League to try to cement a spot in Carlo Ancelotti‘s Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Santos right to stay patient at Chelsea

Given the impact that he made at Strasbourg, Santos knows that he is highly regarded by both Maresca and Chelsea’s hierarchy.

A contract is in place for the next five years and Santos is seemingly understanding that he cannot expect to dislodge Caicedo and Fernandez at this point in time.

Providing that he stays fit, game time will inevitably become more frequent from the middle of September onwards when Chelsea start their Champions League schedule and also feature in the EFL Cup.

Between September 13 and September 30, Chelsea face a run of games against Brentford, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Lincoln City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Benfica.

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