Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign 17-year-old Palmeiras forward Estevao Willian despite interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Arsenal.
Estevao Willian has caught the eye of top clubs in Europe with his dribbling skills, assists and goals contribution.
Palmeiras allegedly want some £26million up front for the teenager, who is nicknamed ‘Messinho’, which translates from Portuguese to ‘Little Messi’ and Chelsea are willing to pay.
Palmeiras’ forward Estevao Willian celebrates after scoring a goal during the Copa Libertadores group stage first leg football match between Brazil’s Palmeiras and Uruguay’s Liverpool at the Allianz Parque stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on April 11, 2024. (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP) (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images)
According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea have not yet opened talks with the Brazilian giants, but have spoken to Estevao’s father and entourage.
Estevao made his senior debut for Pameiras last term and has grown to become an important player in the squad.
The right winger has scored three goals in his first 16 senior appearances and has a contract that runs until 2026.
Chelsea in the past transfer windows have made moves for other Brazilian starlets signing Deivid Washington, Angelo Gabriel and Andrey Santos.
FIFA regulations dictate that South American players can move to Europe only after their 18th birthday, which Estevao celebrates next April.
Estevao has been tipped to one day win the Ballon d’Or and it’s left to see if he will achieve this huge dream at Stamford Bridge.
