Chelsea ‘open talks’ for Estevao over £34m deal as they eye Real Madrid repeat
Chelsea have invested heavily in young prospects over the past 18 months, and their spending spree is showing no signs of slowing. The Blues have reportedly opened talks with Palmeiras for Estevao Willian and are keen to strike a deal before other sides pounce.
According to Goal Brazil, negotiations are ongoing between Chelsea and Palmeiras for the 16-year-old and conversations are ongoing about how a deal would be structured. A total package worth £34million is at the heart of conversations, with the Blues open to forking out such a fee for the talented midfielder.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side are keen to strike a deal as soon as possible, despite Estevao not being able to make the move to the Premier League until he turns 18 in 2025. Chelsea are willing to pay an upfront fee of £17m for the playmaker, with the remaining £17m only being due if certain clauses in his contract are met, which would include goals scored and call-ups to the Brazil national team.
Real Madrid were the first to strike this type of deal with Palmeiras last year when they signed Endrick, who is viewed as a future Brazilian great. And Chelsea will be hoping that they are jumping the gun to sign another breakthrough talent from South America, with other top clubs interested.
Paris Saint-Germain are fond admirers of Estevao and saw a bid for his services rejected over the summer, whilst Arsenal and Barcelona are monitoring his progress closely with the view of striking a deal further down the line – having seen individual enquiries rebuffed previously.
Pochettino is building a squad with a strong South American core, and he will be hoping the prospect of working with the likes of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez for many years to come will prove persuasive in negotiations.
Investing in a player who will only become available in two years may not be the news that Chelsea fans were hoping for though heading into the January transfer window. The Stamford Bridge outfit are sitting in 10th place in the table and are continuing to struggle, despite Pochettino’s new ideas and the significant investment over the summer.
The Blues appear to be in desperate need of several new signings at both ends of the pitch, with Nicolas Jackson failing to convince the higher powers at the club that he is capable of being their long-term No 9, prompting conversations about the availability of Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen.
