Premier League heavyweights Chelsea have made an offer to sign Estevao Willian, a target for Barcelona, Arsenal, and others.
According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Estevao Willian is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues have already submitted an offer to sign the Brazilian attacking sensation. Meanwhile, the Palmeiras prodigy, whose release clause is worth €60 million, is also a target for Barcelona and Arsenal.
The Rise of Estevao Willian
Palmeiras’s rich history of producing world-class prospects continues. The Brazilian giants have seen Gabriel Jesus and Endrick, among others, seek big-money moves to Europe in the last few years. Estevao Willian is the latest highly-rated prospect to graduate from the Palmeiras youth division.
The 16-year-old has already broken into the first-team squad at the Allianz Parque, managing 12 minutes of game time. Estevao’s exploits in age-group football have not gone unnoticed, with high-profile clubs across Europe scrambling for his signature. These include Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea Vying for Estevao’s Signature
Barcelona might have an advantage in the race to sign Estevao as he is keen on joining them. But they also have a disadvantage in the chase as he has a sizable release clause of €60 million. Nonetheless, the reigning La Liga champions are eager to bolster their youth-driven project by landing the Palmeiras attacking sensation.
Meanwhile, paying €60 million might not be an issue for suitors like Arsenal and Chelsea. The Blues, in particular, have an endless supply of money and have invested heavily in Brazilian prodigies since the Todd Boehly-led consortium took over from Roman Abramovich. They have now submitted an offer to sign Estevao Willian.
As for Arsenal, the Gunners are in the market for a versatile attacker to compete with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus. The trio’s inconsistencies have hurt Arsenal in the last few games. So, signing the Palmeiras wonderkid might be a step in the right direction. But a move will only materialise in 2025 after he turns 18.
Chelsea might be best positioned to secure Estevao’s services after putting an offer on the table. It will be interesting to see if Arsenal and Barcelona can beat the West London club to his signature, as the race to sign him heats up.
