Santos keen for first-team football

[Getty Images] Andrey Santos has shown plenty of promise during his time at Chelsea, but he has found himself behind the established midfield partnership of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. Spending a season as understudy while the club were competing in the Champions League was a logical development step. However, sources close to the player indicated several weeks ago that Santos was keen to move on in search of regular first-team football. Chelsea have long regarded the Brazilian highly, although he has also experienced difficult spells adapting to the demands of Premier League football. The Blues have not stood in his way of his move to Manchester United , particularly given they are set to make a significant profit on the £16m fee paid to Vasco da Gama in 2023. His departure has prompted some supporters to question why Chelsea have not instead moved on Romeo Lavia or Dario Essugo, but neither midfielder is currently viewed as a realistic sale after campaigns disrupted by fitness problems. Chelsea must also confront the financial reality of a season without European football. Player exits are therefore an important part of the club's plans. That approach has already resulted in Marc Cucurella and Tyrique George leaving for Real Madrid and Everton respectively. Defender Trevoh Chalobah, who is valued at about £35m, is also expected to move on, with Inter Milan frontrunners for his signature.