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Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, was reportedly the target of two substantial offers during the summer transfer window, it has now been disclosed.
The 20-year-old Brazilian international has made appearances in all three of Chelsea's Premier League games this season, albeit from the bench, clocking up a total of 48 minutes on the pitch.
Enzo Maresca, however, has been instrumental in retaining Santos at Stamford Bridge following his impressive loan stint with affiliate club Strasbourg last season.
Santos was included in the Chelsea squad for the Club World Cup and despite regular playing time seeming elusive at present, there is optimism that he will be given opportunities to shine once the Blues' Champions League campaign gets underway.
According to The Mirror, Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah tabled an offer potentially worth £59.5million for Santos.
However, the player wasn't enticed by the prospect of a move to the Middle East, despite the lucrative financial package, as his current focus is on securing a spot in Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad for next year's World Cup.
Al-Qadsiah were prepared to significantly increase Santos' wages, but Chelsea maintained throughout the summer that he was not for sale.
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While Santos currently sits behind Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the pecking order, the former Nottingham Forest loanee continues to push for inclusion.
He squandered a golden opportunity to grab a late winner in the club's season opener against Crystal Palace and also impressed coming off the bench during the 5-1 thrashing of West Ham.
Notably, the Hammers had seen a bid worth up to £45million rejected in August.
Following that match, Maresca made his position crystal clear regarding the Brazil international's future, declaring: "First of all, I am very happy with Andrey and the idea that Andrey stays here with us.
"He can play in Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo's positions for sure. He played one game in the Club World Cup against Palmeiras where he was very good as a number six. So he can play in both positions very well."
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