Chelsea’s persistent pursuit fails again as third bid for Palmeiras wonderkid ‘Messinho’ rejected

The desire to secure the next Lionel Messi is driving Chelsea’s relentless quest to capture Palmeiras wonderkid Estevao Willian, affectionately dubbed ‘Messinho’, Soccernet. football reports.

At the tender age of 17, Messinho’s football ability has sparked a fierce battle for his signature, with Chelsea at the forefront of the bidding war.

Comparisons to the legendary Messi, arguably the greatest football player of all time, have accentuated Messinho’s meteoric rise.

Despite only boasting 13 appearances for Palmeiras’ senior squad, where he notched up two goals, his prodigious talent has garnered widespread acclaim, especially for his exploits in youth competitions.

Chelsea are eager to add Messinho to their constellation of rising stars. In their pursuit, the Blues have tabled a third bid, this time a hefty £47 million, to secure the coveted Brazilian gem, reports from TEAMtalk confirm.

Yet, Palmeiras, resolute in their stance, have rebuffed Chelsea’s advances, expressing a steadfast determination to retain their prized asset.

Manager Abel Ferreira’s impassioned plea to club president Leila Pereira underscores their unwavering commitment to hold onto Messinho.

“I’m going to ask Leila not to sell this player. The father, the manager, and he will be sad,” Ferreira expressed in a recent interview, imploring for the retention of the exceptional talent.

“Let him stay with us until 2027. I really think this player is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. A boy who defends, attacks, shows himself in the game,” he added.

Nevertheless, a €60 million (£51.5 million) release clause in Messinho’s contract injects a dose of uncertainty into Palmeiras’ resolve.

Should a suitor trigger this clause, Palmeiras would be powerless to prevent Messinho’s departure.

Chelsea’s urgency to bolster their attacking arsenal is palpable.

The Blues have endured a disappointing campaign, with the emergence of young talents like Cole Palmer offering only a glimmer of hope.

Palmer’s 21 goals have been instrumental, alongside Nicolas Jackson’s 13 league goals, in keeping Chelsea’s top-five aspirations alive amidst the offensive challenges this season.