Arsenal and Chelsea in transfer race to sign 17-year-old dubbed ‘little Messi’
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Chelsea have entered the race to sign 17-year-old Palmeiras forward Estevao Willian, who is also interesting Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Palmeiras want at least £26million up front for the player who is nicknamed ‘Messinho’, which means ‘Little Messi’ in Portuguese.
Chelsea have yet to open talks with the Brazilian club but have spoken to Estevao’s father and entourage.
Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 8th May
Estevao made his debut playing alongside Real Madrid-bound Endrick, also 17, last season. The left-footed right winger has scored three goals in his first 16 senior appearances in men’s football and has a contract until 2026.
Chelsea have regrets at losing out to Madrid for Endrick, who became the youngest-ever men’s player to score an international goal at Wembley when Brazil beat England 1-0 in a friendly in March.
Estevao and Endrick follow a long list of superstar attackers to come out of Brazil such as Vinicius Jr, Ronaldo, Romario, Neymar and Kaka.
Chelsea have already made moves in the Brazilian market by signing Deivid Washington, Angelo Gabriel and Andrey Santos in the last 18 months.
Due to FIFA regulations, South American players can move to Europe only after their 18th birthday, which for Estevao comes next April.
