Chelsea officials travel to complete signing of a world-class player

Earlier today, a report from Sport claimed that Chelsea are ‘very close’ to signing Estevão William, sometimes known as Messinho, from Palmeiras.

In a story which denied the rumours about Barcelona interest in the 16-year-old, it was claimed that it’s the Blues who are ready to trigger the youngster’s €60m release clause.

That first piece from Sport was more focused on the Camp Nou side being out of the race. But now, they feature a new article which goes straight to saying that Chelsea are about to complete the transfer.

According to the Catalan outlet, the Blues have sent an official to São Paulo to pay Estevão William’s release clause.

It’s claimed that with Paris Saint Germain slipping out of the race for the player, Chelsea now have an open path to get the signing done. And with commissions involved, the operation would cost €75m.

Sport claims that Chelsea’s interest in Estevão is ‘very serious’, with director Laurence Stewart previously holding a meeting with Palmeiras president Leila Pereira about the transfer. That took place to discuss the price for the move, with the Brazilian side denying a sale for less than the release clause, as they have no hurry to let the youngster go.

The Blues’ officials returned to London knowing that €60m would be needed for the operation, and that’s apparently the offer they’re now presenting in São Paulo.

That feels like a huge offer for Chelsea, and it remains to be seen whether the claims are correct.