Chelsea are willing to trigger the release clause to sign Palmeiras winger Estevão Willian — who is widely known as “Messinho”, according to a report on ESPN.

16 year old Messinho has a release clause of €60million in his Palmeiras contract.

Chelsea previously faced competition from Paris Saint-Germain to sign Messinho, but Les Parisiens have withdrawn their interest as the completed deal, including commissions, would reach €75m.

PSG have reportedly informed the family of Messinho that they are no longer interested in signing the player due to Palmeiras insistence on his release clause.

Chelsea have also tried to negotiate a cheaper deal to sign the teenager, but Palmeiras stood firm and referred to the €60m clause — especially as they will earn €42m while the Estevão family will receive the other €18m.

Should Chelsea reach an agreement to sign Messinho, the Brazilian winger will only be able to make the move in July 2025, when he reaches 18 years old, per FIFA rules.

Chelsea are reportedly committed to scouting and signing young South American talent and have even sent executives from the club’s legal department to Brazil to finalise a deal for Messinho.