Chelsea set to keep Brazilian starlet Andrey Santos despite seven loan offers

Andrey Santos has impressed Mauricio Pochettino in pre-season games

Following yet another impressive preseason performance against Fulham, Chelsea are prepared to decline any loan offer that Salernitana makes for Andrey Santos.

The Blues defeated their west London rivals 2-0 to prevail in the first Premier League Summer Series, and Santos played a key role in the squad's strong performance. Mauricio Pochettino's revamped squad.

The Brazilian is now starting to appear to get comfortable in Chelsea's midfield, a feat that was not anticipated of the player this early in his Stamford Bridge tenure, having already grabbed his attention against Wrexham.

Santos is composed under pressure and doesn't try to push the issue. His ability to simultaneously turn defence into attack and think strategically while playing football may now prove to be a huge benefit for Chelsea.

He initially appeared destined to leave on loan, but things have changed. Since there are currently few midfielders besides Enzo Fernandez who contribute more, it is no longer an unavoidable fact that he will leave Chelsea this summer.

His probable route is Strasbourg, but there have been hints that Salernitana may be about to express his desire to him in Italy.

There is no greater environment for his growth than the Premier League, where he is more than capable of fighting for a spot in Pochettino's team going ahead.

During his first four weeks in charge, Pochettino made it plain he had been captivated by the previous Vasco da Gama sensation.

Although Santos is a unique player, Chelsea will need to find alternatives if Brighton insists on pursuing Moises Caicedo aggressively.

Currently, they have no plans to spend the £100 million necessary to buy the Ecuadorian international, and Blues still lack players for the centre of the park.