Chelsea closing in on the signing of €60 million-rated Barcelona wonderkid target

It is no secret that Barcelona have their sights firmly set on a move for Palmeiras’ 16-year-old wonderkid Estevao Willian, also known as ‘Messinho’.

Just 16 years old, the versatile attacking midfielder has been making all the right noise in Brazil, currently shining at the Copinha tournament after impressing at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup towards the end of last year.

Estevao has admitted that he dreams of joining Barcelona in the past, but the club’s financial situation has meant that closing the deal for his signing right away is difficult.

Chelsea leading race

And now, SPORT’s Joaquim Piera is reporting that Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Estevao from Palmeiras.

As per the report, the Premier League giants, who have not been shy of splashing the cash on young players under their new owners, are ready to meet Estevao’s €60 million release clause.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are yet to make any sort of move for the signing of the 16-year-old wonderkid, despite speculations suggesting that there have been approaches from the Catalan giants.

A host of other clubs from Europe have been credited with interest in Estevao, but some, like PSG, are understood to have dropped out of the race due to Palmeiras’ unwillingness to lower their €60 million asking price for the teenage sensation.

Barcelona focused on the present

Barcelona were understood to have an advantage because of the player’s desire to join them as well as their good relationship with his agent, Andre Cury.

However, at this point, Barça are fully focused on the present and are working to strengthen the squad in January with a new midfielder.

The La Liga champions believe they will have funds in the summer, but even then, a new defensive pivot would be the priority.

Estevao will be able to move to Europe only in 2025 when he turns 18 years old, and for now, the Blaugrana are thinking about their rebuild in the short term.

That, coupled with the financial situation, means a move for Messinho is quite difficult and as things stand, Chelsea appear to be the frontrunners for his signing.