BolaVIP Brasil reports Bontempo has become one of Santos's most important players this season despite the club's collective struggles in the Brasileirão, where they sit one point above the relegation zone.
He has contributed one goal and two assists in 21 appearances this campaign, but a broader look at his record tells a clearer story — five goals and two assists in 42 appearances in 2025 and three goals and seven assists during his rise through the system in 2024. His involvement in goals has been consistent across three campaigns.
His versatility is the quality that most attracts European attention. Bontempo can operate as a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder or wide right player. Santos regularly deploy him on the right side of midfield where his energy and movement connect attacks. At 181cm and right-footed, he combines mobility with a strong work rate.
Brazilian media regularly describe him as the player who "makes the team work" — an unglamorous phrase that reflects genuine importance.
Chelsea's interest in South American midfielders is well established. The club signed Enzo Fernández from Benfica, Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama in recent years. Bontempo fits the general template of that policy — a young player with tactical flexibility, intensity and room for significant development.
Santos's financial difficulties and Copa Sudamericana struggles — they are bottom of their group with three points from four matches — increase the likelihood of a sale. Any fee would be modest given the club's situation and Bontempo's current profile.
Whether Chelsea formalise an offer this summer or continue monitoring into the next window will depend on how the player's season finishes and what the permanent managerial appointment decides about recruitment priorities in that profile.