Chelsea 'in talks to sign Estevao Willian, 17, from Palmeiras for initial fee of £25m' with the Blues hopeful of finalising deal for Brazilian youngster dubbed 'Messinho'

Chelsea have reportedly entered talks with Palmeiras over Estevao Willian.

The 17-year-old winger is a hugely exciting prospect and Chelsea are confident of finalising a deal, as reported by The Athletic.

If the transfer goes ahead then Willian would join Chelsea after he turns 18 in April 2025. 

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

Dubbed 'Messinho' in reference to Lionel Messi, Willian has been capped by Brazil at Under-17 level. 

Willian, who is a team-mate of Real Madrid-bound Endrick, sees his current contract at Palmeiras run until 2026.

However, given the significant amount of interest in him, it is anticipated that the youngster could depart before then. Barcelona have also been linked with a move for Willian.

Usually deployed on the right flank, Willian is a skilful player who joined Palmeiras in 2021 having previously been at Cruzeiro's academy.

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

The youngster won an array of trophies with Palmeiras at youth level and has now made 14 senior appearances.

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

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