Man Utd enter race for Chelsea's next Brazilian wonderkid

Cameron Smith

2 Aug 2024 09:00 BST
4 min read

Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on Gremio wonderkid Gabriel Mec, who has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea.

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Mec, 16, is considered to be one of the brightest talents in Brazilian football and Chelsea are pushing to sign him as they continue to scout the best youngsters in the world.

The Blues have already reached an agreement to sign Palmeiras winger Estevao when he turns 18 next year, while they have added Brazilian trio Andrey Santos, Angelo Gabriel and Deivid Washington over the past 18 months.

Enzo Maresca’s side have now turned their attention to Gremio teenager Mec, who is reportedly keen to join the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Chelsea’s interest in Mec was first reported at the start of July and talks have ramped up over the past few weeks.

Brazilian journalist Bruno Andrade has now reported that Chelsea are offering an initial fee of €7 million, plus an additional €7m in potential add-ons. However, Gremio are holding out for a fixed offer of at least €10m.

As a result, the move has not yet advanced, which could play into the hands of Man Utd and Borussia Dortmund.

According to Andrade, both clubs are keeping tabs on Mec as they eye a potential transfer hijack.

The 16-year-old is yet to make his senior debut for Gremio, but he is a regular in their U20 side.

Gabriel Mec: representantes do Chelsea estão no Brasil para avançar na negociação com o Grêmio. Ingleses oferecem 7 M€ fixos + 7 M€ variáveis, mas gaúchos querem que o fixo seja de 10 M€. Manchester United e Borussia Dortmund também estão de olho - apuração com @felipee_sil pic.twitter.com/PueqWxvU6e
— Bruno Andrade (@brunoandrd) August 1, 2024

Chelsea’s summer transfer business

Chelsea have already signed seven new players this summer as they prepare for Maresca’s first season in charge.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Filip Jorgensen, Omari Kellyman, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Marc Guiu and Tosin Adarabioyo have all joined the club for a combined €112.5m.

However, the Blues have earned over €100m through the sales of Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall, Omari Hutchinson and Michael Golding, while Romelu Lukaku, Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja and Kepa Arrizabalaga may also be sold before the window closes.