Manchester United are reportedly plotting a move for a Chelsea star who isn’t deemed untouchable by the west Londoners. A busy summer transfer window is anticipated at Old Trafford and that includes trying to replace Casemiro.
INEOS still need to decide who will be the head coach when the 2026-27 campaign kicks off. If Michael Carrick guides the Reds to Champions League qualification, it seems likely he will land the job permanently.
Carrick has already spoken about the need for a new left-winger amid Patrick Dorgu’s injury. But midfield will be the main focus for the club’s transfer chiefs, especially when Casemiro departs in June.
Several high-profile midfielders have been linked with United, including Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba. There is talk of the Cameroonian costing around £100m, which is a hefty fee for the 22-year-old.
A new name has been added to INEOS’ shortlist, with Chelsea’s Andrey Santos reportedly of interest. A report from Brazilian outlet NTVASCAÍNOS claims that the Red Devils view Santos as a potential long-term replacement for Casemiro.
The Chelsea man isn’t a regular starter at Stamford Bridge, although he has impressed when featuring this season. He has appeared 35 times across competitions, posting one goal and four assists.
The 21-year-old will have four years on his contract this summer, but the Blues don’t see him as an indisputable member of Liam Rosenior’s squad. As such, they are open to offers of around £34m to sell the Brazilian.
Santos joined the West London giants from Vasco de Gama in early 2023 for around £13m. He has since spent spells on loan at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg.
Casemiro replacement chase continues
Santos could be an excellent acquisition for United if they can sign him at that price. He is still at the start of his career and has shown promise, though he has not become an undisputed starter at Stamford Bridge.
Targeting the Brazilian at that price suggests INEOS are looking at pulling off two midfield signings. One of those could be for a reasonable fee, as they are reportedly also eyeing Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume, who is priced at £26m.
| Appearances (starts): | 22 (10) |
| Goals: | 0 |
| Assists: | 0 |
| Interceptions: | 0.8 |
| Tackles per game: | 1.2 |
| Successful dribbles: | 0.09 (40%) |
| Ground duels won: | 2.2 (68%) |
| Aerial duels won: | 0.6 (48%) |
If Santos or Agoume were signed at their current price tags, INEOS could further strengthen with another midfield addition. That would likely be the club’s most expensive capture in the summer, and the likes of Brighton’s Baleba and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton are ideal.
