Andrey Santos makes Arsenal claim over Premier League title record

Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos has held up Sunday’s opponents Arsenal as the benchmark for his own club’s long-term project, insisting the Gunners’ recent absence of major silverware does not diminish the value of their model.

Speaking ahead of the weekend derby, the 19-year-old Brazilian praised the north London outfit’s consistency at the top of the Premier League, suggesting Chelsea can learn from Arsenal’s ability to sustain title challenges even without ultimate triumph.

“Arsenal are an example for us,” Santos said. “They’ve shown how to build something strong even when the trophies haven’t arrived yet. That mentality is what we want at Chelsea.”

The comments underline a growing respect within the Chelsea camp for Arsenal’s recent resurgence, which has seen Mikel Arteta’s side set the pace in multiple campaigns despite falling short of the championship. Santos, who joined Chelsea last January before a loan spell at Vasco da Gama, believes replicating that stability is the next step for the Blues.

Sunday’s clash at Emirates Stadium offers Chelsea an immediate chance to measure themselves against the standard Santos has identified, with both clubs vying to keep pace in the tightest title race in years.

Arsenal, seeking a first league crown since 2004, enter the match level on points with leaders Manchester City, while Chelsea sit within striking distance after an encouraging run of form. Santos, eager to feature after his international duty with Brazil’s U-20s, views the contest as more than three points.

“It’s a test of where we are,” he said. “If we want to be champions again, we have to beat the teams who are setting the records right now.”

The midfielder’s assessment places Arsenal at the heart of that ambition, turning a fierce derby into a referendum on contrasting rebuilds.