Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian - nicknamed 'Messinho' in his home country - has named his 'dream club' amid transfer links to Chelsea and Arsenal.
Both clubs have targeted the Brazilian domestic market in recent years, with Arsenal signing Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos and Chelsea completing deals for Angelo, Andrey Santos and Deivid Washington.
Now, it appears that both clubs are eyeing a raid on the Brazilian top flight again, with Palmeiras starlet Estevao Willian on their shortlist.
That's according to Mundo Deportivo, who report that Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are the three English clubs battling to secure his signature.
Advert
Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich are also involved, with the 16-year-old impressing onlookers from across Europe.
It is claimed the winger and his father were recently given a tour of Barcelona's facilities.
The 16-year-old forward, who is club team-mates with Real-bound Endrick, recently impressed at the U17 World Cup, where he scored two goals and provided three assists in five matches for Brazil.
He also made his senior debut for Palmeiras last season, coming off the bench to play a 12-minute cameo in the club's final game of the Brazilian Serie A campaign.
Now, the 16-year-old starlet has reportedly made clear his ideal future destination if or when he does leave Brazilian football.
It is claimed that he would prefer a move to Spain over a move to England, and told Mundo Deportivo in an interview in 2023 that his favourite club is Barcelona, having watched Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez regularly as a child.
He said: "[My dream is] to play for Barcelona, which is one of the best clubs in the world.
"I was born watching Neymar, Messi and Suarez play for Barcelona, and that's the dream I have.
"I watch almost every Barca match. I'm a fan of the club. I have a great admiration for the players who play there, and I hope to be there too.
"Yes, it would be a dream come true."
Topics: Brazil, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Chelsea, Manchester United, Transfers
Ryan Smart