Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has dismissed rumours linking young midfielder Andrey Santos with a move away from Stamford Bridge, stressing that he remains an important part of the squad.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who shared the update on X on Friday, Maresca expressed delight at Santos’ continued stay with the Blues and highlighted the player’s versatility.
“I’m very happy with Andrey and very happy with Andrey staying here with us.
He can play in Enzo’s [Fernandez] position for sure, he can play in Moi’s [Caicedo] position for sure,” the Chelsea boss said.
Maresca’s endorsement underlines Santos’ growing importance to Chelsea as the team prepares for the rest of the season.
The Blues will travel to the London Stadium on Friday (today) to face West Ham United in search of their first victory of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace in their opening fixture, while West Ham suffered a 3-0 defeat to newly-promoted Sunderland.
Chelsea boast a superior head-to-head record, winning 16 of their last 29 Premier League meetings with the Hammers, who have claimed eight wins and five draws.
However, West Ham have been strong at home in recent times, securing four victories in their last eight league games against the Blues at the London Stadium.