Chelsea Circle Back for Danilo as Blues Eye Double Porto Raid Worth €95m

Chelsea are threatening to crash Manchester United's midfield recruitment plans this summer, with reports suggesting the Blues have entered the race for Botafogo's Danilo Santos following their own sale of Andrey Santos to the Red Devils.

The west London outfit endured a miserable campaign that saw them finish tenth in the Premier League, leading to the departures of both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. Missing out on European football next season presents a double-edged sword—it could ease their domestic focus, yet simultaneously hamper their transfer muscle in the market.

On the incoming front, Chelsea have already bolstered their ranks with five additions. Geovany Quenda arrived from Sporting CP, Corinthians' Denner joined the ranks, along with Kairat Almaty's Dastan Satpaev, Strasbourg's Emmanuel Emegha, and Atalanta's Marco Palestra. Only Marc Cucurella has departed from their established contingent thus far.

United's move for Santos appeared sewn up after Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Brazilian midfielder had successfully negotiated his medical and penned fresh terms at Old Trafford. Yet Chelsea's apparent interest in Danilo—a former Brazil World Cup squad member—threatens to complicate matters for Erik ten Hag's outfit.

Across the continent, Chelsea are also eyeing a goalkeeping overhaul. Porto's Diogo Costa has emerged as Xabi Alonso's primary target between the sticks, despite Porto's reported reluctance to negotiate. Should the Portuguese side dig in, Chelsea possess the financial firepower to trigger Costa's €60m release clause, positioning themselves as the most eager suitors among Europe's elite.

The 26-year-old's stellar World Cup displays have sharpened Chelsea's appetite considerably. Alonso's admiration for the stopper has intensified the club's pursuit, with the London side having monitored his progress long before the tournament. Porto insist Costa will commence work under incoming manager Francesco Farioli following his holiday, though Chelsea show every sign of maintaining relentless pressure throughout the window.

Butt Unconvinced by Santos Deal

Former United midfielder Nicky Butt has expressed reservations about his old club's recruitment strategy, questioning whether Santos justifies the reported £50m outlay. Speaking to Paddy Power, Butt acknowledged that a £25-30m investment might prove palatable, yet baulked at the premium being attached to a player who managed just 13 starts for a tenth-place Chelsea side.

"Nothing stands out that makes you go, 'wow, he's got great ability on the ball or he's a powerhouse,'" Butt remarked. He suggested United's thinking may centre on untapped potential rather than proven pedigree, though stressed his reluctance to criticise young players prematurely. "We need players in midfield that make us a lot better," he concluded, noting the signing felt more speculative than transformative for United's ambitions.