DONE DEAL: Arsenal completes first summer transfer signing as attacker joins on a five-years deal

Arsenal have reportedly opened talks over a deal to sign Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

Chelsea initially signed the 21-year-old from Brazilian side Vasco Da Gama in January 2023, but the player didn’t move to Stamford Bridge until the summer.

After joining the West London club, the youngster went straight out on loan to Nottingham Forest to play regularly and develop his career, but he struggled to find regular game time at the City Ground.

So, the Blues decided to recall Santos and send him to sister club Strasbourg. The South American showcased glimpses of his qualities during the second half of last season at Stade de la Meinau.

So, he stayed with the French side for one more season to continue the development, and he has enjoyed a promising campaign this season. In 33 appearances in all competitions, Santos has scored 10 goals and registered four assists.

Now, Fichajes state that having been impressed by the youngster’s recent eye-catching displays, Arsenal have registered their interest in signing him and have already ‘begun talks’ to seal the deal.

Santos to Arsenal
After the end of this season, Santos is expected to return to Chelsea, and Enzo Maresca will watch him closely in pre-season, but if he doesn’t play regularly, he could be on the move this summer.

Santos has a contract until 2030 with Chelsea and is valued at around £21m by Transfermarkt. Therefore, they are likely to demand a sizable amount of money to let him leave. Although Arsenal and Chelsea are city rivals, they have done business with each other previously, with Jorginho and Kai Havertz being the examples of that.

The report say that Arsenal aren’t the only club interested in Santos as Paris Saint-Germain are also plotting a swoop for him.

Santos can play in the defensive midfield position and is also comfortable in the box-to-box role. He is technically sound, excels in defensive contributions, and is also efficient in contributing important goals.

He is a highly talented player and could be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal should they eventually manage to lure him to the Emirates Stadium in the upcoming transfer window.