Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the signing of Estevao Willian for £52m (Image: Getty)
Chelsea are reportedly close to a full agreement with Palmeiras to land highly-rated teenage attacker Estevao Willian in a blockbuster £52million transfer. The Blues were rocked by their failure to sign Real Madrid-bound Endrick last year and are determined not to miss out on the next big talent off the Brazil production line.
Estevao, who has been dubbed ‘Messinho’ in his homeland, made his Serie A debut on the final day of the 2023 season and has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign this term. Although mostly used from the substitutes’ bench, the 17-year-old has scored seven goals in 18 appearances across all competitions in 2024.
Chelsea are reportedly engaged in discussions with Palmeiras over a summer deal. However, immigration laws mean that Estevao would not be able to join the West Londoners until after he turns 18 in April 2025.
According to the Evening Standard, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy have put forward an initial £30m proposal that could increase to a total £52m deal. A full agreement is reportedly close but relies on the structure of the add-ons being acceptable to Palmeiras.
Chelsea are prepared to pay big money for Estevao Willian after missing out on Endrick (Image: Getty)
Arsenal and clubs across Europe are reported to have been interested in Estevao. However, it seems that Chelsea are closing in on sealing an impressive coup, having been disappointed to miss out on Endrick.
Estevao would provide a wide option when he is finally allowed to join Chelsea, most likely for the start of the 2025-26 season. The tricky left-footed star is capable of playing wide on the right or left.
Chelsea have targeted the South American market since BlueCo bought the club in 2022. Deivid Washington, Angelo Gabriel and Andrey Santos have all come from Brazil, while Kendry Paez will sign from Ecuadorian outfit Independiente del Valle in the summer of 2025.
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The Blues are hoping to seal the transfer of Estevao as their first piece of business ahead of what could be a busy summer. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have finally started to gel in the final month of the Premier League season, making a late push for European qualification.
Last weekend’s 5-0 thumping of West Ham saw Pochettino’s plan finally come together. Cole Palmer has excelled this season, while team-mates Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke have seen a notable improvement in their performances in recent weeks.
Chelsea have spent over £1billion during the BlueCo reign but it does not appear that the big spending will stop any time soon, despite fears over profit and sustainability regulations.