Fabrizio Romano confirms player ‘JOINING’ Chelsea as Blues star hints at exit

Robin Bairner

Updated: 29 May 2025 00:45 CDT
5 min read

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea squad will have at least one new face in it for next season, while one existing Blues star has threatened to leave because he is “far away” from where he feels he should be.

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Willian Estevao will hook up with Chelsea in the summer, with Romano suggesting that there will be no loan move for the young Brazilian, who will arrive from Palmeiras.

The thrilling youngster only turned 18 in April but has racked up 11 goals in 31 appearances for the Serie A club in the first half of the South American season, signing off in spectacular fashion by scoring one and creating another in the Copa Libertadores fixture against Sporting Cristal.

He will play the FIFA Club World Cup for Palmeiras and then hook up with Chelsea.

Romano tweeted: “Farewell time for Willian Estevao as he’s leaving Palmeiras after the FIFA Club World Cup… and joining Chelsea for next season.”

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Gusto hints at Chelsea exit

Malo Gusto endured a difficult night for Chelsea in the Conference League final, despite the Blues running out 4-1 winners over Real Betis.

The former Lyon star was taken off before the goals poured in during the second half for the Blues and, prior to kick-off, had told L’Equipe that he is “very far away” from where he should be.

“There is competition, you can’t hide behind that. But on my season… some events meant that I played a lot and then less. Those are the risks of playing at a big club,” Gusto told L'Equipe.

Current ETV

Malo Gusto

D (R)

Chelsea

Malo Gusto

D (R)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€29.5M - €36.1M

“The aim is now to remain well established. I have confidence in myself. I haven’t always shown it, and I haven’t always had the attitude to reflect that. You have to first convince yourself before convincing others.

“Doubts? Never. I know that, if I am here, it is because I deserve to be. You have to make steps to be even better. In the first season, everything was beautiful and rosy, everything went well. This year has been a lot more difficult, especially from a personal point of view, for different reasons. It has allowed me to learn, especially to understand what my priorities should be. I am very far away from where I should be. It is my responsibility.”

Gusto was speaking before being replaced at half-time by Reece James, an action that will raise further questions in his mind.