Barcelona to miss out? Chelsea fly out to close big-money deal for ‘Messinho’ | OneFootball

The ongoing race for the services of Brazilian sensation Estevao Willian looks set to come to an imminent end.

That’s according to Diario Sport, who have this evening provided a major update on the future of the in-demand attacker.

Willian, nicknamed ‘Messinho’ in his home country, has long piqued the attentions of a number of Europe’s most decorated clubs.

Over the course of the last couple of weeks alone, all of Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and Chelsea have been tipped as potential landing spots for the 16-year-old.

PSG, at one point, were considered the clear favourites for his signature.

Willian himself, meanwhile, is understood to be keen on the prospect of a move to Spain with Barca.

But, if the latest word stemming from the media is anything to go by, it is instead Chelsea who look primed to close an imminent deal for one of South American football’s most highly-regarded talents.

As per the aforementioned Sport, the Blues have flown a transfer delegation to Brazil, with the intention of activating Willian’s €60 million release clause.

It is added that, in the case of all potential add-ons being met, Chelsea could in the end be forced to pay out as much as €75 million to Palmeiras.

The youngster is likely to remain in Brazil until turning 18, before making the move to west London, in the process following in the footsteps of the likes of Deivid Washington, and Angelo Gabriel.

Conor Laird | GSFN