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Chelsea Continue South American Talent Hunt as Gabriel Mec Becomes Key Target

Chelsea’s aggressive pursuit of South American talent shows no signs of slowing, with TBR Football reporting that the club is keen to bring Gremio’s teenage sensation Gabriel Mec to Stamford Bridge. Having already secured a deal for Corinthians left-back Denner Evangelista, the Blues are now prioritising another Brazilian starlet.

Gabriel Mec: Chelsea’s Next ‘Must-Get’ Talent

According to TBR Football, Chelsea have been in discussions with Gremio regarding Gabriel Mec since last summer. Although the 16-year-old opted to remain with his club, communication has remained open, and the Blues are intensifying their efforts to finalise a deal for 2026.

A standout performer at youth level, Mec’s first-team opportunities at Gremio have been limited, but his potential is undeniable. TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey notes that Chelsea view him as a “must-get” signing, placing him in the same category as Estevao Willian, another young Brazilian set to arrive in London this summer.

Barcelona Enter the Race for Mec

Chelsea are not alone in their pursuit of Mec. Reports indicate that Barcelona are also keen on the highly-rated attacking midfielder and have spoken to the player’s camp.

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A move to Europe appears inevitable for Mec, but he is in no rush to leave Brazil. While Chelsea are pushing hard to secure a deal, the teenager’s future remains undecided. If the Blues are to win this race, they will need to act swiftly and decisively.

Chelsea’s Ongoing South American Investment

Chelsea’s recruitment strategy under BlueCo has heavily focused on young South American talent. Their latest agreement for Denner Evangelista, a 17-year-old left-back from Corinthians, further underscores their commitment to scouting and signing emerging stars from the region.

TBR Football confirms that Chelsea have agreed a deal worth £8.2m plus £3.3m in add-ons for Evangelista, with the player set to join the club in 2026. This is a clear indication that Chelsea’s long-term plan involves integrating some of South America’s brightest young players into their squad.

Mec’s arrival would align with this approach, adding another technically gifted playmaker to Chelsea’s ranks. With South American talents flourishing in Europe, Chelsea’s strategy is undoubtedly a calculated attempt to build a squad that can compete at the highest level for years to come.

What This Means for Chelsea’s Future

Chelsea’s ambition in the transfer market reflects their determination to develop a squad brimming with youthful exuberance. While the club has previously spent vast sums on established stars, their recent focus on teenage prodigies suggests a shift towards sustainable long-term planning.

With Gabriel Mec’s name now at the centre of their recruitment drive, Chelsea fans will be eager to see if the club can fend off competition from Barcelona and finalise another exciting signing. Should they succeed, Mec could follow in the footsteps of Brazilian greats who have made their mark in European football.

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For Chelsea fans, this is exactly the type of move they have been waiting for. Gabriel Mec’s name may not yet be well-known among European supporters, but the hype surrounding him in Brazil is real. Being compared to Neymar at just 16 years old is no small feat, and Chelsea’s decision to prioritise his signing speaks volumes about his potential.

The club’s South American scouting network has been on fire recently, and the strategy of securing top talents before their value skyrockets could prove to be a masterstroke. The success of players like Vinicius Junior and Endrick at Real Madrid highlights just how beneficial early investment in Brazilian talents can be. Chelsea’s pursuit of Mec fits this blueprint perfectly.

Moreover, the ongoing battle with Barcelona adds another layer of intrigue. If Chelsea can beat one of Europe’s elite clubs to Mec’s signature, it will reinforce their ability to attract the best young players in the world. This is a project that extends beyond just the next season—Chelsea are planning for dominance over the next decade.

Mec’s potential arrival, combined with the signings of Estevao Willian and Denner Evangelista, marks a significant statement of intent from Chelsea’s ownership. If the club continues on this trajectory, the future at Stamford Bridge looks incredibly bright.