Barcelona are trying to hijack Chelsea’s deal to sign Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian from Palmeiras.
The Blues have been working on a move for the 16-year-old sensation since October and are hopeful of wrapping up an agreement that would see the highly-rated teenager move to Stamford Bridge following his 18th birthday. ‘Messinho’ has a release clause worth £51million but no club has committed to triggering it just yet.
However, Barcelona have been making progress behind the scenes during discreet discussions with the winger’s entourage and they’re growing increasingly optimistic that they will beat Chelsea to the punch.
Financial Fair Play remains a major stumbling block for both clubs, who at this moment in time would struggle to account for the big-money purchase within their financial records.
Not only that but both Chelsea and Barcelona are facing additional pressure to improve their squads for the immediate future amid fan unrest after notably underwhelming seasons. That hesitation could effectively be punished by any rival suitor who is prepared to put the money on the table.
It’s understood Chelsea must raise close to £100m in player sales by June 30th to remain compliant with Premier League PSR rules before they can continue spending at will.
Paris Saint-Germain are just one of several European giants that could pounce if an agreement is not reached soon as they’re also tracking Messinho, who is widely considered to be one of South America’s hottest prospects.
Barcelona have been paying close attention to the Brazilian market in recent times having also signed 19-year-old striker Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense last July.
He officially joined Barca in January and has since netted two goals in nine appearances including a crucial winner in a 1-0 triumph over Osasuna.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo last October, Messinho – dubbed the ‘Brazilian Lionel Messi’ – made it clear that Barcelona was his dream destination of choice.
He said: “[To] play for Barcelona, which is one of the best clubs in the world. I was born watching Neymar, Messi and [Luis] Suarez play at Barcelona and that is the dream I have. I watch almost all Barca games, I am a fan of the club. I have great admiration for the players who play there and I hope to be there too.”
He is also close friends with Barca striker Victor Roque and would relish the chance to link up with his compatriot in Catalonia. Messinho added: “I was very happy when I found out I was going there. He is a boy with whom I get along very well, we are friends. We have already played together. I was very happy for him. Who knows if one day we will get to play together at Barcelona.”
