Andrey Santos of Vasco do Gama is close to signing a £18 million contract with Chelsea.
Newcastle United and Manchester City have been keeping an eye on the 18-year-old in recent months, but after successful negotiations, he is finally headed to Stamford Bridge.
Santos is one of Brazil’s most talented midfielders and has earned U20 caps for his country.
Newcastle had been thought to be the favorite to sign the adolescent, but Chelsea is hopeful that they can reach an agreement before the transfer market opens the following week.
For Vasco do Gama, Santos has made 38 appearances and eight goals. He is a midfielder with the ability to both create offenses and break up play defensively.
Chelsea has been eager to add another young talent to its midfield because Jorginho, Ngolo Kante, and Mason Mount’s contracts have not yet been finalized.
Top clubs have shown a lot of interest in Santos as a result of his physicality and ball skills.
When Santos arrives in London, it is anticipated that he won’t be able to join the first team right away.
In the long run, the Brazilian may replace Ngolo Kante should the Frenchman leave at the end of the season by adjusting to life in the Premier League between January and the summer.
