Chelsea have reportedly not given up hope of beating Barcelona to 16-year-old Palmeiras sensation Estevao Willian.
The 2007-born attacker has earned a glowing reputation as one of the top talents in South America over the past few months, thanks largely to a spate of dazzling displays in a Brazil shirt.
During November's Under-17 World Cup, Estevao scored three goals and set up three more in five matches for Brazil, although his nation were eliminated by Argentina in the quarter-finals.
Only a couple of weeks after his World Cup exploits, Estevao made his first-team debut for Palmeiras on the final day of their triumphant 2023 Brasileiro season, playing 12 minutes as a substitute in their 1-1 draw with Cruzeiro.
That cameo made Estevao the fourth-youngest player to appear for the Palmeiras first team at 16 years and eight months, with Real Madrid's Endrick being one of only three players to have made their first-team debuts at a younger age.
© Reuters
With the 2024 Serie A season not beginning until April, the teenager has since dropped back down to Under-20 level for the Copinha and has already struck four goals in three appearances in January, seeing his stock rise further.
Estevao's contract with Palmeiras does not expire until 2026, but there is believed to be a €60m (£51.6m) release clause included as part of the agreement, which would prove affordable for plenty of his suitors.
The Brazilian is believed to have his heart set on a move to Barcelona, though, having been nicknamed 'Messinho' after Lionel Messi - whom he supposedly idolises - but the Blaugrana currently cannot afford to pay his release clause in full.
Palmeiras are thought to be willing to work with Barcelona on a payment structure to help facilitate Estevao's dream move, but the Brazilian champions' arm could yet be twisted if another interested party comes forward.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are continuing discussions over a move for Estevao, who would not be able to officially join the Blues until his 18th birthday in 2025.
© Reuters
However, Palmeiras would supposedly still prioritise talks with Barcelona if the Blues simply agree to pay his release clause, and an astronomical offer would be needed to push the Spanish champions out of the picture entirely.
Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also believed to have been tracking Estevao's performances over the past few months, but it is not clear if any of those teams intend to trigger his buyout option.
Chelsea rose above Manchester United and Newcastle United into eighth place in the Premier League table with a 1-0 beating of Fulham in Saturday's West London derby, where Cole Palmer's first-half penalty proved decisive.
Mauricio Pochettino's side now have 10 days to recuperate before the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final with Middlesbrough, where they will bid to overturn a 1-0 deficit to face either Fulham or Liverpool in next month's final.
Ben Knapton
