Chelsea believe they have won the race to sign £60 million rated Barcelona transfer target - Reports

Chelsea are set to beat Barcelona in the race for Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian. According to HITC, the Blues are set to complete the signing of the 17-year-old in a deal worth £60 million.

Willian has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in world football, shining for Brazilian side Palmeiras alongside teammate Endrick, who has already secured a move to Real Madrid. His talent and playstyle have earned him the nickname 'Messinho', owing to his similarities to Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.

The attacker is set to become the fourth-most expensive teenager in the history of the sport, with only Kylian Mbappe, Joao Felix, and Matthijs de Ligt commanding higher transfer fees.

While Chelsea have a bevy of attackers, including the likes of Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, and Noni Madueke, Willian is believed to have the potential to become one of the world's best. While he may not join right away as he is only 17 years old, he could be a game-changer in attack for the Blues. The London side are reportedly splurging an initial £47 million followed by £13 million in add-ons.

Barcelona were also interested in the player initially. However, the emergence of Lamine Yamal alongside their financial troubles means they have dropped out of the race.

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Pundit believes Chelsea could find it hard to sell star attacker

Sterling joined the side two seasons ago.

Pundit Jamie O'Hara claimed that Chelsea could find it difficult to offload Raheem Sterling should they choose to do so. The former Premier League midfielder suggested that the winger's high wages could make it hard for the Blues to find a willing buyer.

He said (via talkSPORT):

“Chelsea gave him the contract, honour the contract. If you don’t fancy him no more, that’s your problem for signing him on a long-term deal. I hate it when people say he’s just going to sit on the bench and take the money. You gave him the contract. What do you want him to do walk away from millions of pounds?

“He’s trying to do his best. He walks on the pitch and gives his best. Is it good enough for Chelsea? Maybe not, but you’ve paid him that.”

The 29-year-old was one of the first signings under the Blues' new ownership, joining from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 reportedly for £50 million. However, he has not had the desired impact across two campaigns and has lost his starting place to Mykhailo Mudryk in recent games.

He has nine goals and eight assists in 42 appearances for the side this season. Earning a reported £325,000 per week (according to Spotrac), a move away from Chelsea may be a financial barrier to interested clubs.