Spanish reports claim Chelsea has signed a young player who has already drawn comparisons to superstar Lionel Messi.

The Blues are reportedly among several teams interested in signing 16-year-old Estevao Willian, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Already known as “Messinho,” the teenage Palmeiras player has been dominating the U17 World Cup.

With three goals and four assists already in that tournament, he appears to be attracting the attention of several premier teams in world football.

Based on some of their transfer activities since Todd Boehly took over the club, Chelsea seems to be one of these, and it’s simple to believe this.

They have made it a mission to sign some of the most talented football players in the world before their competitors can pounce.

Chelsea linked to Estevao

Kendry Paez and Andrey Santos have been two notable arrivals. Together with Moises Caicedo, the former is currently a regular for Ecuador’s senior team.

Many who have seen him play already think he has the makings of a world beater, even if he cannot join the first squad until 2025.

Given the amount of money Estevao is expected to demand from any team that wants him, it appears that he has even more incredible potential.

According to a report from Spain, he has a £52 million release clause, and many teams are thinking about making offers comparable to that.

The other transfer plans that Chelsea currently has center around the possibility of adding a new top-tier striker, either in January or at the end of the current campaign.

The two most likely contenders for the position are Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney.