Chelsea rival Arsenal for ANOTHER Brazilian wonderkid

Cameron Smith

• 18 Nov 2024 10:45 GMT
• 5 min read

Chelsea are reportedly interested in rivalling Arsenal for Sao Paulo youngster William Gomes as they continue their bid to scoop up the best talent in South America.

The Blues have spent over €1 billion on players aged 23 or under since Clearlake Capital’s arrival in 2022, with four players arriving directly from South America during that time.

Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez will also add to that tally when they officially move to Stamford Bridge next summer, and Chelsea remain determined to pick up the best young talents from across world football.

READ MORE: Man Utd eye DOUBLE Chelsea swoop

They have now set their sights on completing a deal for Sao Paulo attacker Gomes, according to CaughtOffside.

The 18-year-old has also attracted interest from Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta’s side determined to bolster their forward line in 2025, following their failure to sign Athletic Club superstar Nico Williams this summer.

Gomes made his senior debut for Sao Paulo at the age of 17 and he has racked up a total of 15 first-team appearances for the club, scoring two goals.

READ MORE: Chelsea’s €60m offer for Premier League’s ‘most popular’ striker

Scouts from both Arsenal and Chelsea have watched Gomes in action in recent weeks, as per CaughtOffside, and they have delivered positive reports on the talented Brazilian teenager.

His current deal with Sao Paulo isn’t due to expire until December 2028, however, with Gomes signing a contract extension in August.

But, Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly eager to bring Gomes to England in 2025 following a promising start to life in senior football.

Enzo Maresca on Chelsea’s recent recruitment

While Chelsea’s transfer strategy has been widely criticised by fans and pundits, Blues boss Enzo Maresca believes his side’s recruitment will lead to major success over the next decade.

The Italian recently admitted to Sky Sports: “It's exciting. The first time I met the club, I said, ‘No matter if l’m going to be the manager or not, for the next 5-10 years, because of the squad and age, you are [going to] dominate English football.’”