Chelsea ‘in talks to sign 17-year-old Estevao Willian from Palmeiras for initial fee of £25m’ and Blues hope to complete deal for Brazilian youngster nicknamed ‘Messinho’

Chelsea have reportedly started talks with Palmeiras over Estevao Willian.

The 17-year-old winger is a very interesting prospect and Chelsea are confident of completing a deal, according to reports The Atlético.

If the transfer goes through, Willian would join Chelsea when he turns 18 in April 2025.

The report claims that Palmeiras would be willing to accept an initial fixed fee of £25m (€30m) for Willian, with performance-based add-ons also included.

Nicknamed ‘Messinho’ in reference to Lionel Messi, Willian has been international for Brazil at the Under-17 level.

The winger could move to Chelsea for an initial fee of £25m plus add-ons.

If Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea reach an agreement with Willian, he could join in April 2025.

Endrick’s Real Madrid-bound teammate Willian sees his current contract at Palmeiras run until 2026.

However, given the great interest in him, it is anticipated that the young man could leave before that date. Barcelona have also been linked with a move for Willian.

Usually deployed on the right flank, Willian is a skilled player who joined Palmeiras in 2021 after previously being in Cruzeiro’s academy.

In 2018, when he was only ten years old, Willian became the youngest player to sign a contract with Nike, surpassing Rodrygo.

Willian, a skilled player who usually plays on the right wing, has stood out at senior level.

The young man won numerous trophies with Palmeiras in the youth category and has already played 14 games for the senior team.

If Willian leaves, the deal could be similar to the one that will see Endrick join Real Madrid when he turns 18 in July.

A deal was reached in December 2022 for Endrick to join Real for an initial fee of £30m (€35m) plus £21m (€25m) in bonuses.