Chelsea finalize Estevao signing and initiate negotiations for Anselmino
Chelsea has secured a deal to sign Brazilian winger Estevao Willian, who will join the club next summer. Additionally, the club is in negotiations to sign Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino.
The Blues have finalized an agreement to acquire Estevao, a 17-year-old talent from Palmeiras, for an initial fee of £29 million, along with performance-related add-ons. Estevao, who has represented Brazil at the Under-17 level, has made a notable impact in senior competitions. He has scored four goals in 17 appearances across the Brazilian Serie A, Copa do Brasil, and Copa Libertadores.
In parallel, Chelsea has made an official offer to Boca Juniors for Aaron Anselmino, a 19-year-old center-back. The offer is reported to be in the range of £12 million to £15 million. Should the transfer go through, Anselmino is expected to be loaned to Strasbourg, a partner club also owned by Chelsea’s parent company, BlueCo.
The pursuit of Estevao and Anselmino aligns with BlueCo’s strategy of targeting the world’s best young talents, with a particular focus on South America. Estevao’s signing follows the recent acquisitions of fellow Brazilians Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, and Angelo Gabriel by Chelsea. Furthermore, the club has secured 17-year-old Ecuadorian forward Kendry Paez, who will join in 2025 from Independiente del Valle.
These strategic moves highlight Chelsea’s commitment to building a robust pipeline of young, promising players. Estevao’s performance at such a young age, including his contributions in top-tier Brazilian competitions, underscores his potential to be a significant asset for Chelsea. Similarly, Anselmino, with his defensive skills and potential for growth, represents a valuable addition to the club’s defensive lineup, even if his immediate future lies with Strasbourg.
By integrating these young talents, Chelsea aims to strengthen its squad depth and ensure a steady influx of skilled players capable of contributing at the highest levels of competition. This approach not only secures future on-field success but also underscores the club’s long-term vision and investment in youth development.
Overall, the acquisition of Estevao and the ongoing talks for Anselmino demonstrate Chelsea’s proactive approach in the transfer market. These signings are part of a broader strategy to maintain the club’s competitive edge by continually infusing fresh talent into the squad. As Chelsea continues to scout and secure young players from around the world, the club’s future looks promising, with a diverse and talented roster ready to take on the challenges of domestic and international football.