Chelsea transfer for ‘GENERATIONAL TALENT’ advancing well, Romano reports

Robin Bairner

• 10 May 2024 07:59 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea’s move to sign Willian Estevao from Palmeiras is “advancing well”, according to football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues are seeking to complete a rapid move for the teenage sensation, having apparently seen off competition from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid to sign the player.

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Estevao, 17, has already agreed personal terms to sign with Chelsea, but a deal with Palmeiras has yet to be completed.

The Stamford Bridge side appear unwilling to trigger the €45 million release clause of the teenager but are instead seeking a structured deal that includes bonuses that could push the overall transfer fee to a higher level but keep the initial investment low – ideal for a club that is seeking to cut costs this summer.

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Romano, meanwhile, took to his YouTube channel to issue an update on the situation.

“Chelsea are advancing well with this top talent from Palmeiras and in the next hours things will be clearer on this story but there is an agreement between the Blues and Willian Estevao on the contract,” Romano says.

“Now the conversation with Palmeiras is going well. They’ve offered €32m plus €25m. Palmeiras want a bit more in terms of guaranteed fee but the conversation is going well.

“Chelsea want to be fast. The scouts and the people working at the club believe that Willian Estevao can be a generational talent. Something like Rodrygo or Vinicius Junior for Real Madrid in recent years – that kind of deal.

“Chelsea want Willian Estevao because they believe he can be part of a bright future at the club. They really want to close the deal as soon as possible because they believe he’s one of the best talents in the world, not just in South America.

“It’s a work in progress, it’s advancing and it’s in the final stages.”