Chelsea target brands interest 'secondary' as Blues look to avoid Real Madrid repeat

Palmeiras wonderkid Estevao Willian has admitted that Chelsea’s reported interest in securing his services is “secondary” as he focuses on continuing the bright start to his career. The Blues could be sweating over the prospect of missing out on another teenage sensation after Real Madrid snatched Endrick from under their noses.

Chelsea were considered among the frontrunners for Endrick – who has also caught the attention at Palmeiras – as part of efforts to recruit the world’s best young talent under Todd Boehly’s regime.

However, in December 2022, Real announced a deal worth up to £51million for the then-16-year-old had been agreed. Endrick will join Los Blancos alongside Kylian Mbappe this summer.

Chelsea will be wary of the risk of suffering a repeat with Estevao due to his reputation as one of Brazil’s most talented up-and-coming stars.

And the 17-year-old winger may have fuelled concerns by insisting that a move to Stamford Bridge was at the back of his mind while he focuses on his football.

“Chelsea? My head today is 100 per cent focused on Palmeiras,” Estevao responded to questions about his inevitable adventure into European football.

“I don’t think of these things. They’re secondary. I think of helping Palmeiras and trying my hardest to bring them glory.”

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Chelsea are reportedly confident of winning the race for Estevao’s signature amid progressing transfer talks that would see him join in 2025.

His current contract expires in 2026, and Palmeiras are said to be around £26m plus add-ons to part ways with Messinho – a flattering nickname given to him for his similarities to Lionel Messi.

Estevao could become the latest exciting Brazilian prodigy to join Chelsea, following Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington and Angelo in recent seasons.

Ecuadorian teenager Kendry Paez is set to arrive in 2025, and he would land at the same time as Estevao if the Blues seal a deal.

He has also been linked with Arsenal, Man City and Bayern Munich. However, there is minimal risk of Estevao joining Endrick at the Bernabeu, having previously admitted rivals Barcelona are his dream club.

The attacking starlet once said: “[My dream is] to play for Barcelona, which is one of the best clubs in the world.

“I was born watching Neymar, Messi and Suarez play for Barcelona, and that’s the dream I have.

“I watch almost every Barca match. I’m a fan of the club. I have a great admiration for the players who play there, and I hope to be there too. Yes, it would be a dream come true.”