Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has suggested that Andrey Santos could feature in his first-team squad for next season.
The Brazil international has been contracted to the Blues for almost two years without making a single competitive appearance.
His Chelsea debut looked unrealistic on the back of failing to make a single Premier League start during a disastrous loan stint with Nottingham Forest during the first half of 2023-24.
However, two spells on loan at Strasbourg - also owned by BlueCo - have transformed the 20-year-old's hopes of eventually becoming a household name at Stamford Bridge.
Santos is part of a Chelsea contingent that also includes goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic and full-back Caleb Wiley that have contributed to Strasbourg sitting in ninth place in the Ligue 1 standings with 13 points from nine games.
Nevertheless, it is the performances of Santos that have really caught the eye with five goals coming from his eight appearances in the engine room.
Furthermore, Santos has also won the most duels in Ligue 1 this season, strengthening the feeling that he could become an asset in Maresca's squad in the future.
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What did Maresca say?
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Maresca admitted the former Vasco Da Gama youngster is well on his way to earning a chance in the Premier League.
The Italian said: "Andrey Santos is just showing what we have said many times that, probably for some players, it is better that they go and prove themselves, and they can come back.
"That is what Andrey Santos is doing. It is too early, but if he continues in the way that he is playing, he could be an option for us."
Since the middle of February, Santos has contributed six goals and one assist in 19 outings for Strasbourg, as well as winning a Ligue 1 Young Player of the Month award.
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Which Chelsea player may drop out?
If Santos was integrated into Maresca's squad, it would inevitably result in one of the current crop being sold or loaned elsewhere.
Despite being more of a playmaker than Santos, Carney Chukwuemeka would be the obvious option having only made two substitute outings this season.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also finds himself down the pecking order, yet his versatility and familiarity playing under Maresca may keep him at the club in the long term.
Darren Plant
