The Blues held talks last summer but they could not agree terms with Palmeiras – who had already agreed to sell their prized asset Endrick, who finalises his long-awaited switch to Real Madrid this summer.
Chelsea also failed to get Endrick, but TBR understands that they are determined to land Estevao and Guilherme this time around.
Chelsea wanted the deals done in advance like Endrick or even how they have done with Ecuadorian starlet Kendry Paez. Current FIFA rules stipulate players can’t move until they are 18. That means Guilherme will be able to move this summer, but Estevao would have to wait until 2025 as he does not turn 18 until next April.
Chelsea may need to spend upwards of £80m
Palmeiras are understood to be looking to pocket £50million for both players, although with add-ons that could amount to more than £80million.
Estevao is a left-footed winger – who can play either side, but mainly right – whilst Guilherme is a midfield playmaker – who plays centrally.
Chelsea want both players – but they are not alone in their admiration of the pair.
Guilherme has been watched by Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich, whilst Estevao has been watched by closely again by City, Bayern but Spanish giants Madrid and Barcelona.
Estevao Willian and Luis Guilherme’s statistics
Estevao is enjoying a terrific breakout season for Palmeiras, who currently reside in sixth place in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A.
After tearing it up for the under-20s, the 2007-born wide player was fast-tracked to the first team and has already netted three times in 14 appearances.
Meanwhile, Guilherme is much more established at senior level, racking up 40 appearances for Palmeiras, scoring once.
Both players are playing well above their age group at international level, as they ply their trade with Brazil’s under-20 set-up.
If Chelsea are to fend off stiff competition for their signature, they’ll likely need to present a convincing pitch to both, who will certainly want assurances of game time.
