Chelsea land Messinho! Palmeiras wonderkid Estevao Willian set for Blues transfer after record £56m bid is accepted

Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement with Palmeiras to sign wonderkid Estevao Willian for a record fee of £56 million ($71m).

WHAT HAPPENED?
According to journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, the Brazilian giants have accepted Chelsea's latest offer for the 17-year-old - which will make him the most expensive transfer of a player from American continent to Europe. He adds that the winger will join the Blues in 2025, when he turns 18. Meanwhile, The Athletic states the youngster will, at the very least, sign a seven-year contract.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite playing just 17 times, scoring three goals and bagging one assist for Palmeiras, Chelsea are ready to splash out on this young talent. Real Madrid have made a habit of signing up-and-coming Brazilian youngsters, such as Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and incoming Palmeiras forward Endrick. Chelsea will hope they will hit the jackpot just as Los Blancos have in recent times.
DID YOU KNOW?
Those who know the teenager call him 'Messinho' due to his similarities to Argentina legend Lionel Messi, although he is actually trying to shrug off that nickname. Willian began his youth career at Cruzeiro in 2017 and just a year later - at the age of 10 - he signed a sponsorship deal with Nike, making him the youngest Brazilian to sign a contract with the sportswear giant.

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WHAT NEXT?
While the behind-the-scenes work continues over this transfer, Brazil Under-17 international Willian will hope to feature in the second leg of Palmeiras' Copa do Brasil third-round clash against Botafogo on Thursday.

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