The Athletic: Chelsea in talks and confident of signing ‘Messinho’

Some breaking news this afternoon suggests that Chelsea are in talks and confident of signing another new rising star from South America.

The Athletic have the report and this is a story that has been bubbling up for a while now, with various rumours coming out about interested clubs. But it looks like it is Chelsea who now feel they have the edge over other clubs for his signature.

The report says Chelsea are in talks with Palmeiras over a deal to sign 17-year-old winger Estevao Willian.

Chelsea are confident of completing the transfer, which will see Estevao move to the club after turning 18 in April 2025.

The Brazil youth international has a release clause in his contract and Palmeiras are prepared to accept an initial fixed amount of around €30million plus a variable figure of performance based add-ons. His Palmeiras contract runs until 2026.

Estevao — nicknamed ‘Messinho’ in his native Brazil — was also being watched by other clubs including Real Madrid.

Chelsea have a scout based in Brazil who has followed the winger closely, while other club representatives have travelled to Brazil to watch him play and lay the groundwork.

And he isn’t the only teenager linked with a move to Chelsea today either.

Franco Mastantuono is being chased by Real Madrid, but Chelsea are apparently set to get involved now as well.

According to reports in Argentina, referenced by MD, Chelsea are willing to battle for his signature. Mastantuono has a release clause of €45m that rises to €50m in the final 10 days of the transfer window.

However, Real Madrid look to win that battle, but I am sure Chelsea will be more than content in winning the Estevao battle. He’s a very highly rated young player and not only has he drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, there have also been Ronaldinho shouts about him.