Chelsea have reportedly taken a major step towards signing one of their top teenage targets, who has verbally agreed personal terms with the Blues.
Seventeen-year-old Estevao Willian has burst onto the scene for club and country over the past few months and has now made 14 senior appearances for Brazilian giants Palmeiras in all competitions.
Estevao has contributed three goals and one assist in that time, netting once in each of the Copa Libertadores, Copa do Brasil and Brasileiro during the 2024 campaign so far.
Before making waves in the Palmeiras first team, the 2007-born attacker shone for Brazil at last year's Under-17 World Cup, where he struck three goals and set up three more in five matches to help his country reach the quarter-finals.
Estevao's exploits at such a tender age have naturally led to glances from top clubs across Europe, and his deal with Palmeiras - which he only signed in January - are due to expire in 2026.
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Estevao 'gives green light to Chelsea contract'
Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all been credited with an interest in the Brazil Under-17 international, but Chelsea appear to have stolen a march on their continental rivals.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Estevao has now given the thumbs-up to Chelsea's contract offer, and the Blues are now about to send their first official bid to Palmeiras.
Romano adds that Chelsea are expected to lodge an offer of around €32m (£27.6m) including add-ons as they enter talks with Palmeiras, and the Blues have been at the head of the queue since January.
Nothing has been signed yet, but the West London giants are said to be optimistic of their chances of bringing Estevao to the Premier League, even if he is likely to remain with Palmeiras on loan until his 18th birthday.
Such an agreement would see Estevao follow a similar career path to fellow Palmeiras teenage starlet Endrick, who will officially become a Real Madrid player on his 18th birthday in July.
What other positions are Chelsea targeting this summer?
🚨🔵🇧🇷 Understand Chelsea have reached verbal agreement with Willian Estevão on personal terms.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 8, 2024
Told initial bid still to be sent but it will be around €32m plus add-ons, as talks with Palmeiras will follow.
Nothing done yet but #CFC remain clear favorites since January. pic.twitter.com/QZV0CcJYmx
Always ones to throw their hat into the ring for highly-rated phenoms during the Todd Boehly era, Chelsea will need to dip into the youth or experience market for a couple more positions this summer.
Nicolas Jackson has shown both flashes of brilliance and profligacy during his debut season in the English capital, and a new big-name striker to take the weight off of the Senegalese's shoulders is of utmost priority.
The Blues are said to have offered Romelu Lukaku to Napoli as part of a swap deal for 2022-23 Serie A top scorer Victor Osimhen, while Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres is also on their radar.
A new centre-back to replace the departing Thiago Silva should also be on Pochettino's agenda, as should a new goalkeeper, as Robert Sanchez's bid to become number one following his arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion has not worked out as intended.
Nevertheless, a springtime revival has seen the Blues shoot up to seventh in the Premier League table, which would see them qualify for the Europa Conference League if eighth-placed Manchester United do not rise any higher and lose the FA Cup final to Manchester City.
Ben Knapton
