Chelsea and Arsenal fighting it out for 17-year-old forward dubbed 'little Messi' as price tag revealed

Chelsea and Arsenal are battling to sign a 17-year-old forward that has been dubbed “little Messi”.

According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea have entered the race to sign Palmeiras forward Estevao Willian, with Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid also said to be interested.

Palmeiras allegedly want some £26million up front for the teenager, who is nicknamed ‘Messinho’, which translates from Portuguese to ‘Little Messi’.

The publication claimed Chelsea have not yet opened talks with the Brazilian giants, but have spoken to Estevao’s father and entourage.

Estevao made his senior debut for Pameiras alongside Real Madrid-bound Endrick last term. The right winger has since scored three goals in his first 16 senior appearances and has a contract that runs until 2026.

Chelsea allegedly regret missing out on Endrick, who made headlines in March by becoming the youngest-ever men’s player to score an international goal at Wembley in Brazil’s 1-0 victory of England.

The Blues have already made moves for other Brazilian starlets in the past 18 months, signing Deivid Washington, Angelo Gabriel and Andrey Santos.

FIFA regulations dictate that South American players can move to Europe only after their 18th birthday, which Estevao celebrates next April.

Back in August AS published a lengthy interview with Estevao’s agent André Cury who tipped the teenager to one day win the Ballon d’Or.

Estevao Willian has been tipped to one day win the Ballon d'Or (Getty)

He said: “He’s a real phenomenon. He’s the next Ballon d’Or [winner]. His name is Estevão. He’s very similar to Leo.

“He has power from set pieces, he is also left-footed. Not physically, because he’s taller, he’s black, but there are things that remind Messi.”

He added: “Yes, there are offers already.

“I think that after the U17 World Cup, someone is going to get hold of him. Maybe Real Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Manchester City… with one of the greats it will be done. He’s going to be a great player.”