Premier League heavyweights Chelsea are reportedly expected to seal the deal to sign 16-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Mec from Gremio.
According to a report by the Daily Telegraph, Gabriel Mec is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues continue their onslaught on the Brazilian market and have identified the Gremio wonderkid as their next top target in the country. And they are set to complete the deal to sign the teenage sensation from the Brazilian club.
Who is Gabriel Mec?
Gabriel Mec is the latest Brazilian wonderkid to rise in prominence in his homeland. A native of Rio de Janeiro, he has spent his formative years thus far in Brazil, progressing through the ranks at Gremio in the last half a decade.
An attacking midfielder by trade, the 16-year-old is renowned for his vision and ability to find the back of the net from different areas of the final third. Despite being only 16 years old, Mec plays beyond his age group and currently turns out for Gremio’s under-20 side, which has brought the attention of high-profile clubs to him.
So, it is hardly surprising that several well-known clubs across Europe have set their sights on Mec, with Aston Villa and Manchester United among his prospective suitors. However, his next destination might be Chelsea, with the West London club making the right moves to beat the competition to his signature.
London calling?
Chelsea’s interest in Gabriel Mec is understandable. The Blues have been active in the South American market since the Todd Boehly-led consortium completed the takeover of the club over two years ago. Since then, they have sealed agreements over deals for South American prodigies like Andrey Santos, Angelo Gabriel, and Kendry Paez.
2024 has witnessed the agreement on a deal for Estevao Willian. Mec has now emerged as a viable target, although it is unclear how Chelsea will fit all the young prodigies in one team when they break into the first-team squad in a few years.
Nevertheless, the Blues are expected to seal the deal to secure Gabriel Mec’s services. However, the 16-year-old Brazilian wonderkid will not arrive in London before 2026, as FIFA rules prohibit him from moving abroad before turning 18.
