Why Chelsea face Andrey Santos delay, mystery of Mykhailo Mudryk's updated contract… and striker's price is named: CHELSEA CONFIDENTIAL

Chelsea and Strasbourg Delay Decision on Andrey Santos’s Future

Chelsea and Strasbourg have agreed to postpone a definitive decision on the future of Andrey Santos until the conclusion of the current season. This follows a productive loan period where the young Brazilian midfielder has flourished in French football, becoming a prominent figure for the Ligue 1 side.

Sources indicate that despite widespread speculation, particularly on social media, suggesting the 20-year-old will spend the next campaign at Stamford Bridge after impressing fans of Chelsea’s sister club, nothing is yet confirmed regarding his trajectory.

While a return to Chelsea remains a distinct possibility, as the club has reportedly been impressed by his progress under Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior’s tutelage, the ultimate verdict is being held back until the landscape becomes clearer. Specifically, the European competition qualification status for both clubs will be a key factor in determining the next steps.

Santos’s Development Key to Summer Decision

Santos’s continued development will be central to the decision-making process this summer. His statistical impact in Ligue 1 is notable; he leads all midfielders in tackles won this season and ranks second for goals scored, only behind Hamed Traore of Auxerre (on loan from Bournemouth).

Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali was present at Strasbourg’s recent 2-2 draw with Nice, a match where Santos provided assists for both goals. Eghbali reportedly engaged briefly with representatives from the Ultra Boys 90, the club’s dedicated fan base.

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This encounter was perceived as an opportunity for Eghbali to reaffirm his commitment to some of the BlueCo ownership group’s most vocal critics. Chelsea’s co-sporting director, Laurence Stewart, also visited Strasbourg on March 28 during their 4-2 victory against Lyon, in which Santos scored the opening goal. During this visit, Stewart held discussions with Strasbourg counterparts on various matters.

It is likely these discussions included the complex scenario of both Chelsea and Strasbourg potentially qualifying for the same European competitions, given their current respective league positions of sixth.

In the event of such qualification, the plan involves placing any conflicting ownership shares in Strasbourg into a blind trust to ensure both clubs independently comply with UEFA regulations.

Sources indicate that stipulations similar to those applied to Manchester City and Girona (Champions League) and Manchester United and Nice (Europa League) this season would be implemented for BlueCo. These regulations, confirmed with UEFA, would include:

• A prohibition on player transfers, both loan and permanent, direct or indirect, between Chelsea and Strasbourg for an extended duration, excluding pre-existing agreements.
• Restrictions on sharing scouting networks or player data between the clubs.
• A ban on individuals holding simultaneous positions in any capacity at both Chelsea and Strasbourg.

Currently, Santos is expected to return to Chelsea when his season-long loan with Strasbourg concludes. However, the next phase for the promising young talent remains to be determined.

Jonathan David Attracts West Ham Interest Amid Chelsea Links

Jonathan David, the Lille forward, is attracting interest from several European clubs, with West Ham reportedly emerging as a frontrunner among English sides. While Chelsea have been long-term admirers of the 25-year-old striker, his contract situation at the French club, expiring this summer, makes him available for a potential free transfer, intensifying competition for his signature.

David boasts an impressive scoring record of 107 goals in 227 appearances for Lille since 2020, including goals against prominent Champions League teams such as Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool, and Borussia Dortmund. West Ham’s inability to offer European football next season may hinder their pursuit.

This situation may not be the last instance of West Ham competing with Chelsea in the transfer market. Kyle Macaulay, formerly a recruitment specialist at Chelsea, recently joined West Ham to reunite with manager Graham Potter. Furthermore, West Ham’s need to reduce the average age of their squad, currently one of the oldest in the Premier League, leads them to target similar young talents as Chelsea.

Bournemouth Keen to Retain Kepa Arrizabalaga Despite Widespread Interest

Bournemouth are eager to secure the permanent signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga after his successful loan spell. During Bournemouth’s recent 1-0 victory over Fulham, visiting fans chanted ‘Chelsea reject’ at Arrizabalaga, only to witness the on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper earn the man-of-the-match award.

Bournemouth are expected to engage in discussions with Chelsea and Arrizabalaga’s representatives to facilitate a permanent deal this summer. However, club insiders acknowledge the possibility of challenges in securing Arrizabalaga permanently. His strong performances, contributing to Bournemouth’s push for European qualification under manager Andoni Iraola, have reportedly sparked interest from other clubs across England and Europe.

Iraola’s presence was a crucial factor in Arrizabalaga’s initial loan move to Bournemouth, as they previously worked together at Athletic Bilbao. Bournemouth are also keen to extend Iraola’s contract.

Arrizabalaga signed a 12-month contract extension with Chelsea last year, extending his deal to 2026, to enable his loan switch to Bournemouth. Chelsea’s preference is to sell him permanently this summer.

Chelsea Dismiss Saudi Interest in Moises Caicedo

Moises Caicedo has emerged as a high-profile transfer target for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, home to Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Chelsea sources have unequivocally dismissed any possibility of selling the 23-year-old midfielder. They state there is ‘zero chance’ of them considering a sale. Caicedo, who has established himself as a key player in the Premier League, is under contract until 2031, with an option for an additional year. Chelsea acquired him from Brighton in 2023 for a British-record fee of £115 million.

Maresca Faces Sanchez Decision Ahead of Fulham Clash

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has consistently emphasized that players who deviate from his tactical instructions risk losing their place in the team. This was highlighted in February when Maresca cautioned second-choice goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen against playing ‘long balls’. Now, attention turns to whether Maresca will retain Robert Sanchez for the upcoming Premier League match against Fulham, following a controversial incident during their recent game against Ipswich.

During the Ipswich game, Sanchez initiated a long goal-kick against instructions to play short, leading to an Ipswich goal and contributing to a 2-2 draw. Maresca acknowledged post-match that Sanchez was affected by the Stamford Bridge atmosphere, with fans expressing frustration at the team’s build-from-the-back approach.

Earlier in the season, Maresca had dropped Sanchez to remove him from the spotlight, reinstating him last month in place of Jorgensen. The intention was for Sanchez to remain first-choice until the summer reassessment. However, Sanchez’s recent lapse in discipline presents Maresca with a dilemma regarding his selection for the Fulham game, testing his commitment to his own principles.

Timeline of the Ipswich Goal Incident:

29mins 2secs – Chelsea are awarded a goal kick. Levi Colwill prepares to take it and signals teammates to approach their own box. Fans express frustration with the short-passing strategy. Colwill plays it short to Sanchez, and Chelsea lose possession attempting to play out from the back.

29mins 21secs – Jens Cajuste of Ipswich shoots wide, resulting in another Chelsea goal kick.

29mins 57secs – Home fans become increasingly frustrated and jeer as Colwill approaches to take the goal kick. Sanchez instructs Colwill to leave the area and directs everyone to push upfield, indicating his intent to kick long. He launches the goal kick long.

30mins 13secs – Ipswich regain possession with ease. They launch a rapid counter-attack, Julio Enciso delivers a cross, and Ben Johnson scores. Chelsea players express frustration among themselves.

Mudryk’s ‘Updated Contract’ and Suspension at Chelsea

The Football Association’s annual report, detailing club transactions from February 2, 2024, to February 3, 2025, revealed contract updates across English clubs. Among Chelsea‘s updates, Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Tyrique George were listed, as expected. However, the inclusion of Mykhailo Mudryk’s ‘updated contract’ was unexpected.

While details of the update remain confidential, sources suggest it was a minor administrative adjustment. The 24-year-old winger remains suspended from football following a failed doping test and has not featured for Chelsea since a Europa Conference League match against Heidenheim last November.

Raheem Sterling Arsenal Speculation Dismissed, Future Uncertain

Despite speculation suggesting Arsenal would not pursue a permanent deal for Raheem Sterling after his season-long loan, neither Sterling nor his representatives have received such communication. No discussions regarding his future beyond the current season have taken place between relevant parties, with focus remaining on the ongoing campaigns.

Sterling is under the impression that no decision has been made about his future. While a return to Chelsea this summer remains a possibility, final confirmation is contingent on end-of-season talks.

Everton Unlikely to Meet Chelsea’s £30m Broja Valuation

Everton are currently not planning to make Armando Broja’s loan move permanent unless Chelsea reconsider their £30 million asking price. This figure represents the buy option included in Broja’s season-long loan agreement with the Goodison Park club.

Injuries have hindered Broja’s ability to demonstrate his worth at that valuation. Everton manager David Moyes will play a significant role in upcoming transfer decisions, and the club is actively searching for a new forward. Broja still has opportunities in the remaining six games of the season to convince Everton of his value, but currently, £30m exceeds Everton’s valuation of the 23-year-old.

Sancho’s Compassionate Gesture

The future of Jadon Sancho at Chelsea, whether through a permanent transfer or a return to Manchester United after his loan, remains unresolved. However, Sancho demonstrated a positive gesture before the 2-2 draw with Ipswich by diverting his path towards the tunnel to interact with two fans in wheelchairs. This display of compassion was a small act that is likely to have resonated significantly with the supporters.

Chelsea Women Top WSL Agent Fee Spending

Chelsea Women unsurprisingly topped the Women’s Super League (WSL) in agent fee expenditure this season. The Football Association’s inaugural disclosure of women’s clubs’ intermediary transactions revealed Chelsea’s substantial spending, accounting for nearly 30% of the league’s total. The club spent £622,604 on agents, significantly more than Manchester City, the next highest spender at £288,628. The WSL’s combined agent fees reached £2.1 million.

The significant investment reflects Chelsea Women’s recruitment activity, including the world-record signing of Naomi Girma and Barcelona playmaker Keira Walsh in January, following a busy summer with seven player arrivals. The reigning champions continue to strengthen their squad and are pursuing multiple trophies this season, having already secured the League Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League and the FA Cup final.

Eboue Makes Chelsea Debut After Injury

In November 2024, reports emerged of Chelsea adding Mathis Eboue, the 15-year-old son of former Arsenal and Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue, to their academy. Last week, the highly-rated former Watford youth player made his first appearance after a period of injury, featuring as a substitute for the Under 16s. Eboue had previously played in older age groups at Watford, even scoring for their Under 21s.

Chelsea’s Social Media ‘Anichebe Moment’

Chelsea experienced a social media mishap reminiscent of Victor Anichebe’s famous blunder. Anichebe inadvertently included the instruction ‘Can you tweet something like…’ in a social media post in 2016. Chelsea similarly sent a WhatsApp message to over 200,000 subscribers via their ‘Chelsea FC Matchday Information’ channel intended to remind fans about ticket restrictions for the Legia Warsaw game. However, the initial message included an unintended introductory phrase. The error was quickly corrected, causing no harm and providing a lighthearted moment.

Increased Police Presence for Chelsea vs Legia Warsaw Game

The Metropolitan Police have stated their readiness to take decisive action against anyone intending to cause disturbances at the upcoming Chelsea game against Legia Warsaw. Given the reputation of Legia Warsaw’s ultras, an increased police presence is planned for the Conference League quarter-final second leg.

This heightened security comes despite Legia Warsaw receiving a reduced allocation of 1,021 tickets, including wheelchair user and companion tickets, following a decision by the Safety Advisory Group, which has angered the away club.