Chelsea continues to spend: Next is Mesinho for 55 million

Over a billion euros spent on reinforcements in the past two years haven't yielded the desired results. However, instead of waiting for a certain period to pass and allowing Mauricio Pochettino to 'fix' the team, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly seems unwilling to stop the reckless spending. The Athletic hints at a new high-profile transfer in West London. More precisely, a costly one. According to their information, Chelsea is close to securing the services of 17-year-old winger Estevão Willian from Palmeiras. And this deal could cost them over 55 million euros.

The Brazilian forward, dubbed ‘Mesinho’ in his homeland, or ‘little Messi’, has a release clause in his contract with Palmeiras valued at 45 million euros, but the 2021 South American champions are ready to negotiate, which could potentially earn them more money. Indeed, Chelsea would send 30 million upfront and commit to paying an additional 25 million in bonuses for the youngster, who would arrive at Stamford Bridge when he turns 18 in April 2025. Chelsea is working on this and is confident they will reach an agreement, as reported by The Athletic, highlighting that the deal structure is similar to the one Palmeiras negotiated with Real Madrid for Endrick in December 2022.

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‘Mesinho’ has also impressed Real Madrid scouts, but negotiations never took place due to the relationship between Real's head scout, Juninho Calafat, and the player's agent, Andrea Kari. Brazilian media reminds us that Paris Saint-Germain tried to include Mesinho in a deal with Endrick back in 2022, but Palmeiras rejected negotiations as they believed they could earn more than the 80 million offered by PSG. Their estimation turned out to be accurate.

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Besides Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal have reportedly shown interest in Estevao. However, Chelsea will secure his services, having already brought in David Washington, Andre Santos, and Angelo from Brazil in the past year and a half, although only the first mentioned has registered 25 minutes in the first team. The other two are yet to make their debut. Perhaps for this reason, Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira pleaded with club president Leila Pereira at a recent press conference to keep Mesinho at Allianz Parque for some more time.

"I'll ask President Leila not to sell Willian Estevao. His father, agent, and the boy himself will be sad. Let him stay with us until 2027! Believe me, this boy is something different. Estevao is something I haven't seen in my career" Ferreira stated. Estevao made his debut for Palmeiras' first team last year and has since played 14 matches for Verdao, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Semifinals - second leg

Tuesday

22:00: (1.48) PSG (4.40) Dortmund (6.75) /first leg 0-1/

Wednesday

22:00: (1.95) Real Madrid (3.50) Bayern (3.90) /first leg 2-2/

***odds are subject to change***