Chelsea 'OPEN TALKS' with another Brazilian wonderkid - Romano

Cameron Smith

• 16 Jul 2024 20:30 BST
• 4 min read

Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Gremio youngster Gabriel Mec as they pursue yet another Brazilian wonderkid.

The 16-year-old is being chased by numerous top clubs, including Arsenal, but Chelsea are pushing to sign him and have already initiated discussions with his representatives.

News of Chelsea’s interest in the Brazilian teenager was first exclusively revealed by Radio Imortal. The Blues reportedly met with Mec’s representatives in Sao Paulo on Tuesday 16 July and talks are expected to ramp up soon.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals

The 16-year-old left winger will sign a new contract with Gremio before a move to Stamford Bridge, however, in order to ensure he does not leave on a free transfer.

Chelsea’s interest in Mec has now been confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X: “Understand Chelsea have genuine interest in Gremio talent Gabriel Mec.

“He’s considered as one more gem from Brazil; Chelsea have opened talks to understand deal conditions.

READ MORE: The HUGE list of wonderkids Chelsea have signed under Todd Boehly

“Born in 2008, Gabriel Mec is appreciated by many clubs but Chelsea are pushing.”

Mec has been compared to Neymar following his emergence at Gremio, although he is yet to make his senior debut for the Brazilian club.

Chelsea’s youth focus continues

The west London club have focused their transfer strategy on signing the best talents in South America over the past few years and this shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Brazilian quartet Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, Angelo Gabriel and Estevao Willian (joining in 2025) have all been signed by Chelsea since Todd Boehly’s arrival in 2022, while Ecuadorian talent Kendry Paez will join the club next summer.

In addition, the Blues are also closing in on Argentine youngster Aaron Anselmino, with a deal expected to be finalised soon.

He is set to become Chelsea’s sixth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Omari Kellyman, Renato Veiga, Marc Guiu and Tosin Adarabioyo.