Advertisement

Cole Palmer decision speaks volumes as Chelsea 'respond to Estevao Willian request'

Cole Palmer might not be as unrealistic a target as it may first seem
-Credit: (Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)


Chelsea have made it clear they see Cole Palmer as their talisman into the future ahead of the arrival of Estevao Willian.

The Brazilian hotshot, 17, will join the Blues next summer after a deal which could rise to £55million was agreed, even before Mauricio Pochettino’s departure. Enzo Maresca is yet to speak to the player, nicknamed ‘Messinho’ because of dribbling skills, but hopes are high that he will prove to be a landmark signing.

An exciting youngster would often be sent out on loan by the Blues, but Estevao’s arrival is set to go against that trend. According to GiveMeSport, the attacking midfielder has already requested to be deployed in the number 10 role at Stamford Bridge, a demand the club reportedly accepted during talks

While Palmer will remain Chelsea’s main man in that position, Estevao has been told he will get game time in the number 10 role, as well as being deployed out wide. While that is a clear sign of how excited the club are to have landed Estevao, it further demonstrates that Palmer is seen as the club’s attacking lynchpin well into the future.

As they confirmed the capture of Estevao earlier this summer, Chelsea excitedly announced: “The 17-year-old has already built a strong reputation in South America as one of the most exciting talents around due to his skilful dribbling and electric pace, causing defences plenty of problems in his breakout season in senior football.”

Estevao recently won his first senior caps for Brazil, with Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo taking the teenager under his wing. Speaking after Estevao’s senior international bow against Ecuador, he told Lance! “Regardless of age, I know I’m very young, I’m only 23, but I end up being the most experienced of the group.

READ MORE: Estevao Willian is already demonstrating why he must be in Maresca's 2025/26 Chelsea plans

READ MORE: Estevao Willian breaks silence after making Brazil history ahead of £29m Chelsea move

“You see Estevao at 17, Henrique at 18. So, they are very young boys, so even though I’m young, I can pass on some of this experience to them.”

Meanwhile, Maresca has confirmed he is tracking Estevao's progress closely from afar. The Blues boss said: "Yes, we are following him. He is doing fantastic but unfortunately he is doing fantastic there and not with us.

"We are going to wait until next summer when he will arrive here but for sure we are very happy in the way he is doing these things."