Two days ago, UOL reported Chelsea will make a bid worth €55m for Palmeiras wonderkid Estêvão Willian, which will include a €30m fixed fee plus €25m as potential bonuses.
On Friday, ESPN in Brazil reported Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira has begged the club not to sell the 17-year-old to the Blues.
A fresh report from UOL brings the latest on Chelsea’s pursuit and the Brazilian club’s plan for the winger.
Estêvão, who is also known as Messinho, was promoted to the first team in December and has so far made 13 appearances for them, managing two goals and an assist.
Several European clubs have shown interest in one of the brightest prospects from Brazil, and this includes Chelsea, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Manchester City.
It’s claimed Palmeiras are ‘talking daily with Chelsea to agree’ a deal for the youngster’s transfer. The west London club want to speed up the negotiations due to the fear of competition and can pay more than his clause, in order to close the deal now.
Chelsea have signalled their intention to offer at least €30m up front and the rest in bonuses to take the overall deal to between €55m and €60m.
Palmeiras are trying to increase the fixed fee as their idea is to achieve €45m [through fixed fee plus easily achievable bonuses]. The rest of the bonuses can depend on goals scored, the participation in European competitions and call-up for the national team.
Chelsea would prefer to avoid paying more up front, which is why they didn’t agree to pay his termination clause.
It’s claimed the Blues believe it’s ‘attractive to offer more’ money than his clause, also to beat competition from other clubs.
UOL add Ferreira’s desire to hold on to the youngster won’t be fulfilled because Estêvão, his family and his agent all are in favour of securing an agreement for the transfer.
If Chelsea become successful in signing him, he’ll only be able to arrive in Europe once he turns 18 years of age in April 2025.
