Estevao Willian looks to be the next big prospect to leave Brazil and ply his trade at a major European club.

The 17-year-old wonderkid has shown his quality playing for Palmeiras next to fellow superstar Endrick - who already has a transfer to Real Madrid arranged this summer.

Nicknamed ‘Messinho’, which translates to ‘Little Messi’; Estevao is attracting plenty of attention from Europe with clubs like Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and now Chelsea showing interest in the starlet.

Despite all the interest, it appears Chelsea nudged ahead of the competition in the race to sign Estevao. According to Nizaar Kinsella for The Standard, Chelsea have held positive contact with the players father and entourage ahead of official club negotiations.

Chelsea really wanted Real Madrid-bound Endrick and Estevao Willian is seen as the next great attacking talent out of Brazil.
A case of unfinished business: https://t.co/V2J5vwMuyh #CFC

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) May 8, 2024

Fabrizio Romano first reported Chelsea’s interest in the player back in January, noting the Brazillian holds a €60million that has yet to be triggered. However, the prolific transfer reporter has recently reposted and pinned his posts about a potential move for Messinho.

Romano rarely makes mistakes, and although he hasn’t posted a trademark ‘Here we go’ for the transfer, bringing these posts back to football fans timelines is a solid indication that Chelsea have made great progress in the fight for the wonderkid.

🚨🔵 Chelsea keep working on Estevão Willian deal. Discussions taking place since October as 2007 Brazilian talent remains high on club’s list.

🇧🇷 ‘Messinho’ has €60m release clause and no club has decided to trigger it yet so far.

Barcelona remain in contact on player side. pic.twitter.com/mWOtlIMqAC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2024

As with all transfers out of South America, even if Chelsea do trigger Estevao’s release clause, according to FIFA regulations the starlet cannot register for a European club until his 18th birthday.