Andrey Santos, celebrating his move to Chelsea together with his family.

Andrey Santos, celebrating his move to Chelsea together with his family. Deal will be signed very soon with Vasco da Gama as clubs and player side agreed all detail

Andrey Santos, celebrating his move to Chelsea together with his family. Deal will be signed very soon with Vasco da Gama as clubs and player side agreed all details 🔵🇧🇷 #CFC pic.twitter.com/I4yrvUIsak

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 25, 2022

The 18-year-old is believed to have attracted several admirers in Europe after bursting onto the scene for the Brazilian second-tier club in the 2022 season.

Santos had made his first-team debut for Vasco da Gama in the 2021 campaign – his only appearance of the season – but he featured on 36 occasions in all tournaments in 2022.

The teenager – who primarily plays as a central midfielder – scored an impressive eight goals in 33 Serie B appearances for his side, who finished fourth in the table and were promoted to Serie A.

Santos only signed a contract extension with Vasco da Gama in September and will not become a free agent until 2027, but he has been expected to leave amid growing interest in his services.

Chelsea ‘on verge of sealing Andrey Santos signing’

Newcastle United and Manchester City are said to have been monitoring Santos’s progress, but the Evening Standard claims that Chelsea are set to win the race for his signature.

The report states that the Blues could end up paying a total of £20m to sign the 2004-born midfielder, who will command an upfront fee of £13m and a potential £7m in add-ons.

Santos is understood to have agreed terms on a five-year contract, although he is still waiting to undergo his medical and sign his deal with the West London giants.

However, the Brazil Under-20 international is unlikely to break into the first team straight away and could immediately be loaned out in the January transfer window