Arsenal enter race to sign Palmeiras wonderkid Estevao Willian, after Chelsea tabled €60m bid for 16-year-old dubbed 'Little Messi'

According to Thiago Fernandes, Arsenal has thrown their hat into the ring for Willian, amidst stiff competition from other elite clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and Real Madrid and fellow London rivals Chelsea. The Blues are keeping no stone unturned to beat their rivals in the pursuit of the teenager and have reportedly offered €40m (£34/$42m) plus €20m (£17m/$21m) in add-ons.

Despite only ten senior appearances to his name, Willian has already showcased glimpses of his immense potential during his time in Palmeiras' youth setup, earning rave reviews and attracting attention from across the footballing world. However, uncertainties loom over Palmeiras' willingness to entertain offers for the young winger, as they weigh the potential benefits of cashing in against the prospect of retaining a burgeoning talent whose value could soar in the coming years. The possibility of offering Willian a new contract further complicates the transfer dynamics for its suitors.

Despite the swirling speculation and interest from a multitude of clubs, Willian harbours a personal aspiration to don the colours of Barcelona, inspired by the exploits of iconic figures such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar. His admiration for the Catalan giants and dreams of gracing the hallowed turf of Camp Nou underscore the emotional dimension intertwined with his professional ambitions.

When asked about his future, Messinho had reportedly said previously: “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 great admiration for the players who play there and I hope to be there too.”

As the transfer saga unfolds, Chelsea remain optimistic about securing Willian's services ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 season, buoyed by their confidence in the negotiation process. However, they face formidable competition from fellow Premier League contenders, as well as the allure of Barcelona's prestigious footballing heritage. All said and done, the ultimate decision rests in the hands of Palmeiras, who will weigh the merits of potential offers against their long-term vision for Willian's development and the club's future aspirations. For Arsenal, navigating the intricacies of negotiations will hinge on the expertise and connections of key figures such as sporting director Edu Gaspar, as they seek to bolster their squad with one of Brazilian football's brightest prospects.