Chelsea are in talks with Palmeiras to conclude a €40 million agreement for 16-year-old sensation Estevao Willian ahead of their rivals.
According to Goal Brazil, Chelsea are closing in on an agreement with Palmeiras for 16-year-old talent Estevao Willian. The Blues are angling a move worth €40 million for the winger, who will only become eligible to join the Stamford Bridge outfit in 2025.
Chelsea are ready to replicate Real Madrid to secure a top talent from Brazil. The Spanish giants made a big move for 16-year-old talent Endrick earlier in the summer, with the player only joining them when he turns 18.
Chelsea are eager to tie up a deal with Palmeiras for the 16-year-old talent Estevao Willian. The 2007-born winger has made headlines with his performances in Brazil, with several top-rated sides keeping an eye on his development.
Arsenal and Barcelona are among those, alongside Chelsea, who have expressed an interest in signing the 16-year-old star. Palmeiras are open to cashing in early as they did with Endrick, as Estevao could look for an early career move out of Brazil.
While Arsenal and Barcelona are contenders, both may have different ideas heading into the following windows. With the report stating Chelsea as close to sealing a move, both those sides may want to avoid risking finances on someone like Estevao. The Catalans have financial troubles, but the Gunners will likely prioritise funding a senior signing in the here and now.
Manchester United are also interested, but Chelsea are edging closer to sealing a move for the 16-year-old in the coming period. The report states the Blues could agree to a €40 million fee with Palmeiras, including fixed price and variables.
As per the fee breakdown, Palmeiras will receive the initial €20 million in instalments, and the remainder will start coming in once Estevao moves to Stamford Bridge in 2025. The winger reportedly has a €45 million termination clause, but the Blues have seemingly agreed to less.
The Chelsea hierarchy will view the Estevao signing as a significant step towards securing one of the coveted talents from South America. They are also keen on another Palmeiras star, Luis Guilherme, while they have already tied up a move for Ecuadorian talent Kendry Paez.
For now, they will look to seal this move in the coming period, but many could ask questions about such an enormous investment in a player barely out of the blocks and in senior football. Overall, they might be taking a risk here with such huge sums on the table, but as per reports, Estevao is a promising prospect. x
