Chelsea reach agreement with 'next Messi' - Romano

Updated: 9 May 2024 03:55 CDT
3 min read

Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Palmeiras youngster Estevao, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Brazilian wonderkid one of world football's most in-demand prospects. Nicknamed 'Messinho' and described as unlike 'anything I've ever seen' by his coach Abel Ferreira, the 17-year-old looks destined for a great future.

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That future, it seems, will be at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are long-time admirers of the Palmeiras starlet and have been in contact with him since late 2023. Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the Blues were in talks with the Brazilian giants and this was reiterated by The Athletic on Tuesday, with the report adding that Chelsea were 'confident' of signing Estevao.

That confidence was justified. According to Romano, the west London outfit have now agreed personal terms with winger.

Chelsea reach agreement with Estevao

The Italian transfer expert has revealed on X that the Blues have reached a verbal agreement with the player regarding a transfer. Given his age, Estevao would only arrive at Stamford Bridge in 2025. He turns 18 next April.

However, Romano made sure to stress that Chelsea have not yet tabled an official bid. Estevao's release clause stands at €60 million, but Palmeiras are open to negotiating a package that would see this figure reached with bonuses rather than as an upfront payment.

Romano reports that Chelsea will send an initial bid of €32m with performance-based bonuses added on top. The youngster's signing is far from wrapped up, but a deal is heading in the right direction as far as Chelsea are concerned. The Blues have been considered the favourites to land him since January, claims Romano.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been impressed with Estevao, but the former can't afford him, while the latter chose not to enter the race due to the poor relationship between top scout Juni Calafat and the player's agent. Los Blancos, of course, have already signed Estevao's teammate Endrick in a similarly expensive deal.