Over the past week or so, the Brazilian media have regularly discussed Chelsea’s pursuit of Palmeiras wonderkid Estêvão Willian. Last weekend, UOL reported the two clubs are talking daily to try to reach an agreement.
On Wednesday, AS backed up earlier claims that stated Chelsea have taken the lead in the race for the 17-year-old.
Later that day, UOL reported the Blues have made the ‘best offer’ for the winger, which includes €30m fixed fee plus rest in bonuses to take the overall deal to €60m. Journalist Bruno Andrade then stated Chelsea have raised the offer to €35m plus €25m in bonuses.
He claims the Brazil U17 international has ‘verbally accepted’ Chelsea’s proposal for salary and length of contract. The two clubs have to agree a deal for the transfer to be made official.
Nicola said the west London club are willing to make a new bid where the overall cost of the deal will exceed €60m. He also revealed Palmeiras’ request to give the green light for the transfer.
“Chelsea still don’t have an agreement with Palmeiras, who own 70% of the economic rights. The information I have is that Chelsea have already signalled something around €40m, plus €25m. Palmeiras believes that the proposal needs to be close to €60m in order for the deal to go ahead,” he said.
Palmeiras believe they have plenty of time to wait for offers, and there are two [unnamed] clubs from England showing interest in the teenager.
This may possibly be a tactic to put pressure on Chelsea to offer a fixed fee close to €60m. Estêvão verbally accepting the Blues offer could give them a massive boost when carrying out negotiations with Palmeiras.
