Manchester United have identified Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos as a potential summer transfer target following setbacks in their pursuit of other midfield reinforcements. The 22-year-old Brazilian, currently valued by Chelsea at around £50 million, could become available as the London club appear willing to consider offers for him this transfer window.

United's interest in Santos comes after they were unable to secure moves for Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, who signed for Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, respectively. Although Manchester United have yet to formally initiate discussions with Chelsea over Santos, a bid is anticipated in the near future as they seek to strengthen their midfield options.

Santos joined Chelsea in 2023 from Vasco da Gama in an £18 million transfer and has since experienced loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg. During the 2025-2026 Premier League season, he featured in 27 matches for Chelsea, scoring once, but started in less than half of those appearances. At Stamford Bridge, he is currently behind Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the club’s midfield hierarchy. Notably, Santos was omitted from Brazil's squad for the recent FIFA World Cup under manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Manchester United’s need to enhance their midfield has intensified following a suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte during the World Cup. The club has already bolstered this area with the signing of Ederson from Atalanta in an initial £35 million deal. However, they remain keen to add further reinforcements, with reports indicating that United could pursue as many as two additional midfielders this summer.

In addition to Santos, United are reportedly monitoring Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as a midfield target.

Off the pitch, Manchester United recently celebrated the signing of scholarship deals by academy prospects Jacey Carrick and Kai Rooney. The pair marked the occasion with a special event at Old Trafford, where family members including their fathers were present to share in the milestone.