Chelsea deemed favorites to sign Barcelona transfer target, Blues ready to activate player's €60m release clause - Reports

Chelsea are reportedly in pole position to sign young Brazilian winger Estevao Willian, who has also been on Barcelona's radar. The Blues are ready to activate the €60 million release clause in the player's contract, Sport reports.

Estevao, who is only 16, is one of the most electrifying young talents in football at the moment. He has been dubbed 'Messinho' or 'Little Messi' by Brazilian fans due to his skillful play.

He made his top-flight debut on December 7 last year, coming on as a substitute for Palmeiras in their 1-1 draw away at Cruzeiro which sealed the Brasileiro Serie A title.

The winger first grabbed headlines for his performances in the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Indonesia last November. He bagged three goals and as many assists in five games at the tournament, as Brazil bowed out in the quarter-finals.

Chelsea had originally entered negotiations with Palmeiras for Estevao's services to set up an alternative payment structure for the deal. They wanted to pay £17 million up front with another £17 million in add-ons. However, Palmeiras only wanted the Blues to pay the full release clause amount up front.

Latest reports suggest that Chelsea might be willing to trigger the €60 million release clause to make Estevao a Blue.

Barcelona have also been highly interested in making a move for the winger, but their financial situation has not been resolved yet. The Blaugrana really need to raise funds immediately as manager Xavi has voiced concerns about the squad really requiring some new additions in the ongoing window.

The €60 million price tag seems like a huge amount for a youngster with only one top-flight appearance. However, if Estevao truly reaches his potential, the Blues might have a superstar on their hands.

Chelsea defender Maatsen joins Borussia Dortmund on loan, joins Jadon Sancho

Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen has joined Borussia Dortmund on loan from the Blues for the remainder of the season. He joins Englishman Jadon Sancho, who was also announced two days ago as a loan signing for Die Schwarzgelben from Manchester United.

The 21-year-old Dutch defender has made 15 appearances for Chelsea this term but started only three of these. He really impressed on loan at Burnley in the Championship last season, scoring four goals and bagging six assists to help them get promoted to the Premier League.

Vincent Kompany's side had a £31.5 million bid accepted for his services but the Dutchman rejected a permanent move to Turf Moor back in August.

Maatsen signed a contract extension at Chelsea till 2026 before making this loan move official. He had hoped to make a breakthrough into Mauricio Pochettino's starting XI this season. However, with limited game time at Stamford Bridge, a loan stint in the Bundesliga could be the right move for his career.