Chelsea prepare €55m transfer bid for wonderkid dubbed 'next Messi'

Robin Bairner

• 3 May 2024 22:00 BST
• 2 min read

Chelsea are ready to add to the ranks of wonderkids by launching a €55 million offer for Palmeiras forward Estevao, who is regarded as one of the most promising players in world football.

According to a report from Brazilian outlet UOL, the Blues are ready to pay €30m upfront for the 17-year-old winger, with the rest of the potential fee made up in bonuses.

Indeed, it is even claimed that Chelsea have already made two previous bids of Estevao but these were knocked back by Palmeiras.

PROFILE: Who is Estevao? The Barcelona and Chelsea target nicknamed 'Messinho'

The youngster has already made his senior debut but has limited first-team experience, having featured only 11 times, scoring one goal. This strike came in the Copa Libertadores, when he became just the third player under 17 to net in the competition, following in the footsteps of Chelsea player Angelo Gabriel and Real Madrid-bound forward Endrick.

Now the teenager who is seeking to shake off his nickname of ‘Messinho’, meaning ‘Little Messi’, is a player who has attracted extensive interest from a number of major European clubs.

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Chelsea fight Spanish giants for Estevao

Real Madrid and Barcelona have both been associated with the player, with Los Blancos in particular having enjoyed particular success in bringing young players from Brazil and helping them reach their potential.

Estevao, meanwhile, is under contract with Palmeiras until the end of 2026, meaning that they are in little rush to sell.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are pushing to beat these other European giants to his signature, despite the fact the player could not join their senior team until 2025, when he turn 18.

The Blues have already shown an appetite for conducting such early transfers. They have already secured Kendry Paez from Ecuadorian side Indepeniente, with the teenager causing great excitement with a string of thrilling performances for club and country.