Chelsea are reportedly in talks to complete the signing of another Brazilian wonderkid in Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian. The 17-year-old has emerged as the next name linked with a move from South America to Europe in recent months.
The Blues are understood to have tracked his progress in Brazil for some time. It had been claimed that Arsenal, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich have all made enquiries over his services.
However, following reports in Brazil that Chelsea had submitted a bid worth £26m (€30m), plus £21m (€25m) in add-ons, it is now claimed that the west Londoners are in talks with Palmeiras.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea are confident of completing the signing of Estevao when he turns 18 in April 2025. It's said that the Brazilian side is prepared to accept an initial amount plus performance based add-ons.
Estevao, who is nicknamed 'Messinho' in Brazil, made his first-team debut for Palmeiras last season and has played alongside Endrick - who was linked with a move to Chelsea before Real Madrid got the job done.
Should the deal be completed and Estevao move to London in April 2025, Mauricio Pochettino will welcome two youngsters in the same time period with Kendry Paez. The teenager agreed a €20m (£17.5m) move to Chelsea in June but isn't able to move officially until he turns 18 in May next year.
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Chelsea have executed the South American market rather well recently by signing a number of Brazilian youngsters. Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington and Angelo all arrived from Serie A in recent years with Estevao joining them.
It's yet another step towards Todd Boehly building for the future after spending millions on teenagers since his takeover. Pochettino will be hoping he will still be in charge by the time Paez and Estevao arrive in 12 months time.
