Chelsea appear ready to part ways with midfielder Andrey Santos after Manchester United agreed a £50 million package to secure his services.

According to reports, Manchester United have committed to paying £48 million up front, with an additional £2 million in performance-related bonuses that are considered easily attainable. A medical examination is being arranged for Santos as the Brazilian prepares to finalise his transfer to Old Trafford.

Sources close to the situation indicate that while Chelsea valued Santos, the 22-year-old was open to a move this summer in pursuit of consistent first-team opportunities. The recent contract extension of Moises Caicedo meant Santos was expected to continue as the Ecuadorian’s understudy next season, prompting him to explore other possibilities.

Although Chelsea had initially hoped to retain Santos, the club was willing to consider offers if the right price was presented. The agreed deal now paves the way for the midfielder to join Manchester United.

Manchester United have been expected to overhaul their midfield this summer, and the signing of Santos will form an important part of that rebuilding process, particularly after missing out on Mateus Fernandes, who joined Tottenham Hotspur in an £85 million deal.

United are also set to complete the signing of Ederson from Atalanta, though it remains uncertain whether the club will bring in a third midfielder before the transfer window closes. The Red Devils continue to be linked with several other names, including Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni is also believed to be on United’s shortlist, but the Spanish giants are reluctant to part with the French international, who remains central to their future plans. Should they entertain offers, Real Madrid are expected to demand a minimum of €100 million (£85 million).

Another potential target, Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund, is valued by his club at approximately €120 million (£103 million), further highlighting the escalating costs of midfield reinforcements across Europe.