In November, Mundo Deportivo reported Chelsea are chasing Palmeiras’ Estevão Willian, also known as Messinho. It was also stated his dream is to join Barcelona.
Earlier this year, the same newspaper stated the La Liga side are determined to beat the Blues and others to agree a deal for the 16-year-old.
Fast forward to April and Sport’s latest report will come as encouragement for Chelsea in their pursuit of the youngster.
The Brazil U17 international prefers to mainly operate on the right wing, a position that’s occupied by 16-year-old Lamine Yamal at the Camp Nou.
It’s claimed the Blaugrana’s sporting leaders don’t want to take any decision that’ll impact Yamal’s growth and this would have a direct consequence on Estevão. Barca haven’t made any moves to sign him, because of Yamal, they now don’t intend to do so.
A potential deal would have been made difficult for Barcelona due to competition from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. In addition to this, Sport state Palmeiras president Leila Pereira doesn’t intend to sit down and negotiate a deal for the rising star.
Chelsea have already knocked on Palmeiras’ door and have sent their emissaries to São Paulo, while PSG are also keen on the South American. The interested clubs have to pay his €60m clause, if they wish to sign Estevão.
Sport say the media has used Barca’s name for months to carry out a campaign around the player.
It looks like they aren’t able to recollect it was the Catalan media who have been talking about Barcelona’s interest for the past few months.
Either way, the La Liga side no longer seem to be chasing the Palmeiras youngster and this could please Chelsea and PSG.
If the Premier League side were to agree a deal, Estevão won’t be able to arrive in England until he turns 18 years of age in April 2025.
