Chelsea zone in on another wonderkid! Palmeiras sensation Estevao 'Messinho' Willian close to agreeing terms with Blues as transfer advances

The Blues have reached a verbal accord with the 17-year-old, according to Fabrizio Romano, and he will make the move to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2025, after he turns 18. The London team will have to pay at least €30 million (£26m/$32m) plus variables to Palmeiras for him, Relevoclaims.

Nicknamed 'Messinho' in his homeland amid comparisons to Lionel Messi, the winger attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. The French side saw an offer turned down, while Barca did not lodge an offer for him, Relevo reports.

Willian will be the latest young Brazilian star to join the Blues in recent years, following in the footsteps of ex-Vasco da Gama man Andrey Santos and former Santos duo Deivid Washington and Angelo Gabriel.

The Blues will have to wait over a year before they can welcome the highly-rated teenager to west London, with fellow South American starlet Kendry Paez arriving at the same time. The Blues will now see out the rest of the Premier League season, taking on Nottingham Forest this weekend, before they start looking to strengthen the squad over the summer transfer window.