West Ham make bid for Chelsea youngster

West Ham have had a bid for Andrey Santos rejected by Chelsea, reported to be worth around £42 million. The Brazilian youngster came off of the bench to appear for the Blues against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday, and almost scored a goal.

According to Eduardo Burgos, the Hammers are looking to add attacking signings to their squad before the close of the transfer window, and made an official bid for Santos. The Club World Cup winning forward is also a target for Juventus, but it is understood Chelsea intend to keep the player for the time being.

The Brazilian moved to Stamford Bridge in 2023, and had loan spells with Nottingham Forest and last season a very successful stint playing for French club Strasbourg, before returning to parent club Chelsea with an opportunity to play in the first-team. Manager Enzo Maresca appears to rate the 21-year-old very highly and wants to keep the player if possible.

The signing of Estevao Willian was a major coup for Chelsea, as the Blues continue to add young Brazilian players to their squad, with Maresca seeing Estevao and Andrey as a partnership for the future.