Chelsea have just been dealt a major blow in their bid to sign a £47m attacker, according to a recent report.
The West Londoners are expected to be busy in the fast-approaching summer transfer window as they look to make further additions to Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad.
A top-six finish is the best Chelsea can hope for, as they currently reside in eighth place, four points adrift of seventh-placed Manchester United and five from sixth-placed Newcastle United, who have played a game more.
They’ll certainly want to achieve European football as it’d help to stay in line with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Further, it could potentially boost their lure, though, with that said, they’ve just been handed a blow in their pursuit of an attacker who is also wanted by Arsenal.
Chelsea dealt blow in bid to sign Palmeiras forward Estevao Willian
Chelsea have launched a third proposal for Palmeiras winger Estavao Willian worth around £47m, though, the Brazillian club may reject it.
That’s because Palmeiras’ manager Abel Ferreira is going to attempt to block the deal from happening as he wants the 17-year-old to remain at the club until 2027, as per Goal.
“I’m going to ask Leila not to sell this player. The father, the manager and he will be sad. Let him stay with us until 2027. I really think this player is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. A boy who defends, attacks, shows himself in the game,” Ferreira said.
Indeed, this may be a negotiating tactic to drive the price up even further but that could force Chelsea away from the deal, anyhow.
Estevao won’t be able to join the West London club until next summer anyway due to employment laws restricting this transfer for players under the age of 18.
So, is it worth outlaying in excess of £50m for a player who can’t make an impact until next year?
Maybe it’s best to leave this deal for Arsenal, who are also interested amongst others.
Chelsea should focus on other targets
The Blues should look elsewhere as they need to focus on bringing in players who can make an immediate impact.
Plus, Estevao, as much as he is a talent, hasn’t set the Brazillian league a light output-wise, netting two goals in 12 games this season.
So, evidently, he is still a work in progress and will need time to develop before he’s ready for Premier League football.