Arsenal’s heads would have been turned after what happened during Chelsea’s final Club World Cup group stage fixture.
Arsenal didn’t qualify for the Club World Cup, with only Manchester City and Chelsea flying the flag for the Premier League at the tournament.
Both of the English clubs are through to the knockouts after putting together comprehensive group-stage performances.
Several Arsenal targets have been on show at the Club World Cup, including one player who actually represents their London rivals.
Andrey Santos would’ve charmed Arsenal at the Club World Cup
Earlier in the summer, it was reported that Arsenal are interested in Andrey Santos of Chelsea.
The 21-year-old midfielder spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Strasbourg and had an extraordinary campaign in the French top flight.
In 32 Ligue 1 appearances for Strasbourg, Santos contributed to 13 goals and averaged a superb 3.4 tackles per game, as per Sofascore, giving Chelsea an idea of what to expect on his return.
Santos returned for the Club World Cup, where, against Esperance Tunis, he made his competitive debut for the Blues from the bench.
| Andrey Santos’ Chelsea debut |
| 22 minutes played |
| 1 assist |
| 94% pass success |
| 1 shot |
| 2 tackles |
Enzo Maresca called the Brazilian from the bench with 22 minutes to go, and it didn’t take long for the midfielder to impress.
Santos secured an assist, but after the contest, he was met by his manager saying that he ‘needs to understand’ how the Blues play.
The 21-year-old isn’t expected to have a starring role next season, having only just returned from loan, but his early moments in a Chelsea shirt have surely given Arsenal something to think about.
Arsenal must attempt to sign Santos
Now that Thomas Partey is set to leave Arsenal, the Gunners will look to replenish their midfield with new faces.
An offer has been made to sign Christian Norgaard, but Andrea Berta’s list won’t necessarily end there.
Santos is too good a player to be left on the sidelines at Chelsea, and given what he showed at Strasbourg and the Club World Cup, Arsenal must certainly test the water to sign him.
The midfielder could be the perfect replacement for Partey and a mighty addition to integrate into Arteta’s squad, but it all hangs on whether Berta will explore a deal, and whether Chelsea would sell such a talent to their rivals.
Chelsea are stacked in midfield, and Maresca’s favoured pivot of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez isn’t expected to be usurped anytime soon, which must already be playing on Santos’ mind.
Arsenal could take advantage of any uncertainties surrounding the player’s chances at Stamford Bridge, in what could be a statement move from Berta.
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