Transfer Centre

Chelsea transfer news: Blues, West Ham fighting for Brazilian wonderkid

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 04 July 2024

Chelsea join West Ham in race for 'lazy' Brazilian wonderkid

Chelsea and West Ham United are reportedly ready to do battle for the signature of a Corinthians youngster as they attempt to add another Brazilian wonderkid to their ranks.

Chelsea and West Ham United are reportedly one of many clubs who are interested in signing a Corinthians prospect.

The Blues and Hammers are no strangers to targeting players from Brazil, some of their respective pursuits proving more successful than others.

In Chelsea's case, they already have Andrey Santos, Angelo Gabriel and Deivid Washington on their books, with Estevao Willian due to arrive in 2025.

Meanwhile, West Ham won the race to sign Palmeiras starlet Luis Guilherme earlier in the summer transfer window, the winger expected to immediately challenge for a first-team role.

However, it appears that neither club are prepared to end their efforts to add at least one other South American starlet to their ranks.

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly in February 2024. © Reuters

Wesley on Chelsea, West Ham radar

According to FootMercato, the two Premier League sides are among several clubs who are admirers of Wesley Gassova.

Unlike the players that have been signed before him, Gassova has far more experience under his belt, making 72 appearances for the Brazilian giants.

A total of seven goals and five assists have been recorded during that period, with 34 outings having already come during the 2024 campaign.

Corinthians have Gassova tied to a contract that runs until December 2027, yet they are expected to be open to offers for his signature.

The report suggests that a €20m (£16.94m) valuation has been placed on his services, although it is unclear whether Chelsea or West Ham have proposed offers that meet those demands.

Roma coach Daniele De Rossi on May 9, 2024 © Reuters

What other clubs are interested in "lazy" playmaker?

Antonio Oliveira - the former head coach of Corinthians - has previously described the youngster as "a little lazy", a tag that will likely stick until he shreds it over the course of his career.

Furthermore, Oliveira feels that Gassova should be remaining at his current club for the foreseeable future, but it seems that there are too many clubs interested for that to realistically happen.

Roma, Nice and Porto are all said to be admirers of the attacker, with Chelsea's interest potentially involving fellow BlueCo-owned club Strasbourg.

Chelsea have recently tried and failed to sign a Brazilian teenager before sending him to the French club, with Pedro Lima choosing Wolverhampton Wanderers over the West Londoners.