Chelsea lead Arsenal and Man Utd in race to sign Messinho

Tom Weber

Updated: 12 Dec 2023 11:22 GMT
4 min read

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea — © ProShots

Chelsea are the current favourites to land Palmeiras wonderkid Estevao Willian, better known as 'Messinho,' according to a report.

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Despite the Blues' transfer policy of snapping up the world's best young players increasingly coming under fire due to the first team's ongoing struggles, it appears that Chelsea do not intend to give up on this approach just yet.

After being all but beaten to the signing of Gabriel Moscardo by PSG, Chelsea's recruitment team have shifted their focus elsewhere in Brazil and are now targeting not one but two Palmeiras wonderkids. According to 90min, the Blues are the favourites to land attacker Estevao Willian and they are also trying to snap up midfielder Luis Guilherme.

16-year-old Estevao is being hailed as 'Messinho' in Brazil due to the playing style he shares with Argentine legend Lionel Messi, while 17-year-old Guilherme is already a regular fixture, albeit mostly off the bench, for the Palmeiras senior side that recently won the Brazilian Serie A.

Despite an ultimately disappointing tournament, Messinho starred for Brazil at the U17 World Cup in Indonesia and played himself firmly into the spotlight of European clubs.

I heard chelsea is going for Baby Ben Arfa

Estevão Willian, nicknamed ‘Messinhopic.twitter.com/lDEs4cHp10
— 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣 𝗠𝗘𝗟𝗢 (@Philipmelo126) December 8, 2023

Chelsea seek double deal

According to the above-mentioned report, Chelsea are eyeing a double deal for Estevao and Guilherme that would see them head to Stamford Bridge upon turning 18. However, there is serious interest in both from fellow Premier League sides and European giants.

Though the Blues are currently 'best-placed' to strike a deal for Messinho, the likes of Arsenal, Man Utd and Man City are also firmly in the mix, while PSG once again pose the biggest threat, it is claimed.

The French side had already tried to sign Estevao last year during their pursuit of Real Madrid-bound wonderkid Endrick, whom Chelsea had also wanted before pulling out of the deal. Barcelona and Bayern are also interested asserts the reports.