Revealed: Chelsea make HUGE offer for 'next Lionel Messi'

James Shearman

• Updated: 2 May 2024 20:57 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea have reportedly made a huge offer for Brazilian wonderkid Estevao.

Estevao is teammates with Real Madrid-bound Endrick at Palmeiras, but he has made a name for himself in recent months.

Indeed, he has been given the nickname 'Messinho' due to his similarity to Barcelona great Lionel Messi.

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And, he has been heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou, which is thought to be his preferred destination for his next move.

The 17-year-old has a number of suitors, however, including Paris-Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Arsenal.

But it is Chelsea have that most the most effort to sign him, as Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte are reporting that the Blues have made a €55 million offer.

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Who is Estevao

Estevao’s main position is on the right wing, as he is best when allowed to cut inside onto his stronger left foot.

The Brazilian is a master with the ball at his feet, with his dribbling and close control both exceptional for someone so young.

He is yet to be handed consistent senior minutes at Palmeiras, but he scored on his first ever start in the Copa Libertadores in April 2024 and his start to life in senior football has already been impressive.

At the U17 World Cup in 2023, Estevao scored three goals and provided three assists in five games as Brazil reached the quarter-final stage, while he helped Palmieras win four youth tournaments in 2022, including the Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17.

Estevao scored a hat-trick during a 3-0 win over Sao Paulo in the final, truly announcing himself as the next big Brazilian talent.

While he incredibly signed his first sponsorship with Nike at the age of 10, becoming the youngest-ever Brazilian player to achieve this feat - bettering both Neymar and Rodrygo.