Chelsea have reportedly reached a decision over which of their prospects will be first to join Strasbourg during the summer transfer window.
With co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital - under the BlueCo banner - completing a takeover of the French club last year, they have a destination to develop potential future stars.
For 2023-24, Angelo Gabriel was sent to Strasbourg for the entire campaign, contributing four assists from his 21 appearances in Ligue 1.
At the midway point of the season, Andrey Santos was allowed to sign for the same club on a temporary basis courtesy of his failed stint at Nottingham Forest.
Both players are currently training with the Blues senior ranks as new head coach Enzo Maresca assesses the capabilities of his heavily-populated squad.
However, it appears that a decision has already been made over one of the aforementioned Brazilian starlets.
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Santos to return to Strasbourg
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are happy for Santos to have a reunion with Le Racing for the upcoming season.
A deal is already said to have been struck between the relevant parties and will be completed when Chelsea have played a number of friendlies on a pre-season tour of the United States.
Romano adds that Borussia Dortmund had expressed an interest in acquiring the 20-year-old's services, yet Chelsea officials preferred Santos to move to Strasbourg due to their pending managerial appointment.
Former Hull City boss Liam Rosenior will be named as the successor to Patrick Vieira in due course, with discussions having already been held with Santos.
The style of play that will be implemented by the Englishman is allegedly an important factor behind Santos moving to Strasbourg.
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Santos will be welcomed back with open arms
Santos may have only played his first game for Strasbourg on February 18, but he quickly developed into a key man at Stade de la Meinau.
In March, he was named as the young player of the month in Ligue 1, while in May, the former Vasco Da Gama man netted the winner in a 2-1 triumph over Metz.
When Santos started in the engine room, Strasbourg accumulated 13 points from nine matches. Without him in the first XI, 26 points came from 25 fixtures.
Darren Plant
