Reports from Spain have linked Chelsea with the signing of a youngster already being compared to superstar Lionel Messi.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Blues are one of a host of sides interested in signing 16-year-old Estevao Willian.

The Palmeiras youngster, already dubbed ‘Messinho’, has been starring in the U17 World Cup.

He already has three goals and four assists in that tournament, and now seems to be on the radar of a number of elite sides in world football.

Chelsea appear to be one of these, and this is easy to believe based on some of their transfer activity since Todd Boehly took over the club.

They have made a point in signing some of the most promising players in world football before their rivals have had a chance to bite.

Chelsea linked to Estevao

Some of the standout additions have been Kendry Paez and Andrey Santos. The former is now a regular for the Ecuador senior side alongside Moises Caicedo.

Even though he is unable to join up with the first team until 2025, many who have seen him play already believe he has the potential to be a world beater.

It seems as if Estevao could be set to be another who has outrageous potential, especially when taking into account how much he is set to cost any side who want him.

The report from Spain has claimed that he has a release clause worth £52m, with plenty of clubs considering stumping up offers similar to that.

Chelsea’s current other transfer plans revolve around potentially bringing in a new elite striker, either in January or the end of the season.

Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen are the two top candidates for the move.