
Chelsea Ace Andrey Santos Explains Why He Snubbed Arsenal and Saudi Move With 2026 World Cup in Mind
Andrey Santos focused on Chelsea future after rejecting Arsenal interest and Saudi offer
For a 21-year-old midfielder still at the beginning of his Premier League journey, Andrey Santos already speaks with the clarity and conviction of someone who knows exactly where he wants his career to go. This summer, the Brazilian talent had no shortage of suitors. Arsenal were quietly circling, while offers from Saudi Arabia promised big wages and instant star treatment. Yet when the phone rang with those tempting proposals, Santos didn’t hesitate.
“I immediately declined,” the Chelsea man admitted in a recent interview with Trivela, later picked up by The Mirror. His reasoning was as straightforward as it was ambitious: the 2026 World Cup.
For Santos, everything revolves around the possibility of wearing Brazil’s famous yellow shirt on football’s grandest stage in two years’ time. “My dream and main goal is the World Cup,” he explained. “I know that being at Chelsea and in the Premier League gives me better chances than in Saudi Arabia. That was the main factor in my response to them.”
In an era where more and more players have chosen lucrative moves to the Middle East, Santos’ decision stands out. He knows the road may be longer, tougher, and more competitive in England, but for him, the reward is worth the sacrifice.
Arsenal interest and Saudi riches: Why Andrey Santos said no
The most intriguing subplot of Santos’ summer was Arsenal’s interest. Mikel Arteta’s side, always on the lookout for dynamic midfielders, had reportedly considered Santos as a long-term option to strengthen their squad. The Gunners, who had already invested heavily in Declan Rice the year before, were keeping tabs on the Chelsea youngster’s progress.
But while the thought of joining one of Chelsea’s fiercest London rivals might tempt some, Santos never appeared to be swayed. His priority was establishing himself at Stamford Bridge, where he believes he can grow under Enzo Maresca’s stewardship.
Then came the Saudi offer, one that might have financially transformed his life overnight. The Saudi Pro League has pulled in global names like Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané, but Santos saw the bigger picture. For a 21-year-old, two years of consistency at Chelsea carries far more weight in the eyes of Brazil’s national selectors than being the star name in a developing league.
Chelsea breakthrough after patient wait
Santos’ journey to this point hasn’t been without obstacles. Signed from Vasco da Gama in January 2023, he was initially one of Chelsea’s many young prospects sent out on loan. His brief spell at Nottingham Forest was difficult, with limited opportunities to show his talent in the hustle of a relegation fight.
However, a loan to Strasbourg in Ligue 1 provided him the platform he needed. There, Santos thrived, gaining regular minutes and building the confidence that has since carried into his return to west London.
His long-awaited Chelsea breakthrough came this summer during the Club World Cup. Pulling on the Blues shirt in a competitive senior game was a significant milestone, a moment that made the years of waiting worthwhile. Since then, Santos has made three appearances for Chelsea this season, gradually being integrated into Maresca’s system.
It’s still early days, but there’s a sense that Santos is finally at the start of his true Chelsea career.
World Cup 2026: The dream that drives him
The World Cup may still be two years away, but for Santos, every training session and every minute on the pitch is part of the journey to 2026. Already capped twice by Brazil, he knows the competition for places in midfield is fierce. Players like Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, and Lucas Paquetá are all fighting for spots, while rising stars such as João Gomes are also making their case.
But Santos believes playing in the Premier League, in one of the most demanding environments in world football, gives him the edge. “Being at Chelsea gives me better chances,” he said, and it’s hard to argue. Performing against elite opponents week in, week out provides the kind of exposure and development that no other league can replicate.
For Brazil, the 2026 World Cup is about redemption after a disappointing exit in Qatar. For Santos, it represents the ultimate career goal.
The challenge at Chelsea
Of course, dreams don’t come easy, especially at a club like Chelsea. The squad is stacked with midfield options, from Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández to Conor Gallagher and Carney Chukwuemeka. Breaking into the first team consistently will require patience, resilience, and standout performances when the chance arrives.
The good news for Santos is that Maresca’s style might suit him perfectly. The Italian coach has already shown faith in technical midfielders who can control possession and progress the ball, qualities Santos has in abundance. At just 21, time is also on his side.
If he can carve out regular minutes and continue his upward trajectory, Santos could quickly become one of Chelsea’s most exciting young assets.
What comes next for Andrey Santos
The months ahead will be crucial. With Chelsea juggling domestic fixtures and cup competitions, rotation will provide opportunities. Santos doesn’t need to be a star overnight; instead, he needs to steadily prove he belongs at this level.
His decision to stay at Chelsea rather than chase a quick payday in Saudi Arabia reflects maturity beyond his years. It shows that Santos isn’t just thinking about today, but about the legacy he wants to build – one that hopefully includes representing Brazil in North America in 2026.
For Chelsea fans, that attitude is refreshing. In an age where loyalty can be fleeting, here is a young player who genuinely wants to succeed in blue, not simply use the club as a stepping stone.
Conclusion: A young star with his eyes on the biggest prize
Andrey Santos’ refusal to be swayed by Arsenal’s interest or Saudi millions says a lot about his mindset. Ambitious, disciplined, and laser-focused on his ultimate dream, he knows that his best chance of reaching the 2026 World Cup is to establish himself at Chelsea and thrive in the Premier League.
There will be challenges along the way, but Santos is ready for them. His story is only just beginning, and if he continues on his current path, both Chelsea and Brazil could reap the rewards in the years to come.
For now, the message is clear: Andrey Santos has chosen the hard road, the right road, and perhaps the one that leads all the way to the World Cup stage.
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