Chelsea have company for €60m signing – Blues have been out ahead and now there’s a battle

It seems Chelsea’s long-time chase for Palmeiras youngster Estevão Willian is about to get a lot harder.

The Blues may have been in touch for the signing for a long time, but according to journalist Jorge Nicola, there’s now a big battle to bring the player to England.

It’s claimed there’s a ‘big dispute’ between three Premier League sides right now. Even though the clubs aren’t named, it’s said this is an ‘intense race’ with competitors trying to get to the player first.

Estevão, also known as Messinho, is protected by a €60m release clause. Palmeiras have already received offers that came close to that amount, but that included bonuses, and the club’s intention is to get as much money up front as possible.

Chelsea have been linked to the player since November 2023, with several reports from the Brazilian media claiming the Blues keep close tabs on his development.

Earlier this month, reports from Spain claimed that officials from the Stamford Bridge side travelled to South America to talk about the transfer.

Now with such a battle going on, it seems Chelsea may end up losing out in this race.