Chelsea lead Premier League suitors in race for Palmeiras sensation Estevao
- 16-year-old winger Estevao is among South America's most-wanted talents
- Chelsea are chasing a double deal to sign teammate Luis Guilherme as well
- PSG pose biggest threat in mainland Europe
Chelsea are continuing to explore a deal to sign Palmeiras talents Estevao and Luis Guilherme, 90min understands.
As reported in October, Chelsea had established an interest in the teenage duo and the Blues have since spoken with intermediaries as they seek to strike a double deal which would see both Estevao and Guilherme join once they turn 18.
Scouting in South America has been a key play for Chelsea's new recruitment team. Andrey Santos and Angelo have already joined, while 16-year-old Kendry Paez of Ecuadorian outfit Independiente del Valle will complete a £17m move to Stamford Bridge in 2025.
Estevao, also 16, is among the top talents in South America and a whole host of European giants have voiced a desire to sign him, but sources have confirmed to 90min that Chelsea are currently best-placed to get a deal done.
Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United are all keen to rival Chelsea for Estevao's signature, but the biggest threat could come from Paris Saint-Germain, whose interest remains after a double bid for the winger and future Real Madrid striker Endrick was rejected last year.
Madrid are keen to reunite Estevao and Endrick, whose father recently revealed he came close to joining Chelsea, while Barcelona and Bayern Munich are both admirers of the talented teenager.
Hailed as 'Messinho' in his native Brazil due to comparisons with the World Cup winner, Estevao has previously named Barcelona as his dream destination and recently reiterated his desire to head over to Europe once he turns 18 in 2025.
"I'm very calm, my head is focused on Palmeiras," the teenager said. "I want to do my best and build my story and then, God willing, I can go abroad."
Estevao cannot move to Europe until the summer of 2025 - the same window in which Paez will join Chelsea - while teammate Guilherme will turn 18 next February and could therefore make the jump at the end of the current season.
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