Andrey Santos has made summer plans clear as Arsenal 'battle' to sign Chelsea star

midfielder Andrey Santos has already spoken about his summer plans, with reportedly working hard to sign him. The 21-year-old has been excellent on loan at Strasbourg this season, scoring nine goals, setting up three more and putting up some of the best tackling numbers in .

Santos is yet to play a single competitive game for Chelsea in the two-and-a-half years since his move from Vasco de Gama. The Brazilian international was sent on an unsuccessful loan to last season, and he has been with BlueCo-owned Strasbourg since January 2024. As he comes to the end of the best campaign of his young career, this summer represents an important crossroads.

Returning to Strasbourg for another season or being phased into the Chelsea first team have both been touted as possibilities. But have reported that Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are battling to pinch him from Stamford Bridge.

With multiple parties at play and various moving parts to the situation, Gunners chiefs will be keen to gather all the intel they can on Santos' summer intentions. Back in March, the Rio de Janeiro-born midfielder offered exactly that, as he revealed that a post-season meeting with Chelsea will be crucial to deciding his next move.

"A lot of people send me news [about Chelsea], but I don't think there's anything concrete like that," he told . "No one has come to me directly and spoken to me.

"It's in Chelsea's hands, it's in my agents' hands, it's in my hands. At the moment I'm focused on these last few games, which are very important for Strasbourg. When the season ends, we'll see what happens, everyone will sit down and talk to make the best decision for both sides."

indicate that Santos will be given the chance to impress Chelsea bosses at the Club World Cup in June and July. Arsenal are not involved in the tournament, but they are sure to pay close attention to matches involving their midfield target. PSG, as one of the 12 UEFA entrants, could come up against him directly.

Santos has been a success at Champions League-chasing Strasbourg but he has made no secret of the fact he wants to test himself at a higher level.

"Of course you want to play for the biggest clubs in Europe, for a very big club like Chelsea," he admitted. "Of course you dream of that moment, but I think the [right thing] is to have a clear head, finish the season here to make the best choice when the season is over."