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Brazilian wonderkid Estevao says he has been speaking with Cole Palmer, Reece James and Thiago Silva ahead of his move to Chelsea next summer.
Estevao, 17, has established himself as one of the most promising teenagers in world football since breaking into Palmeiras’ first-team last year.
The forward has scored 15 goals in his opening 45 appearances for his boyhood team and has already been capped four times by the senior Brazil national side under Dorival Junior.
Chelsea have placed an emphasis on scouring the South American market for bright young talent in recent years and the club moved quickly to wrap up a deal for Estevao after being alerted to his extraordinary potential.
In an agreement reportedly commanding a fee of around £28million, Estevao will join the Stamford Bridge giants upon his 18th birthday next summer and the teen’s impending arrival has become a hot topic of conversation amongst Chelsea fans.
It’s clear Estevao is excited about his move to west London, too, with the attacker working on his English and gathering information from Chelsea players past and present in recent weeks and months.
‘I really like Cole Palmer’s celebration. Ever since I signed with Chelsea I said I was going to do this celebration. We exchanged ideas, I’m happy to have this contact with him,’ he told ESPN.
‘I’m learning English, it’s hard, I’m trying to learn through film and music.
‘I haven’t visited Chelsea yet, but if I have the opportunity, now on vacation, I’ll get to know the structure.
‘There are Chelsea agents here in Brazil who speak to you, Palmer speaks to me on Instagram.
Club captain James has reach out to Estevao to offer his support and ex-Chelsea defender Silva caught up with the youngster after Palmeiras’ defeat to Fluminense at the weekend.
‘There is James who said that if I needed anything I should speak to him,’ Estevao added.
‘Thiago Silva spoke to me in that last game. He said that the club is top and they are waiting for me with open arms.’
While Estevao insists he does not have a ‘preference’ when it comes to his potential squad number at Chelsea, it appears he has his eye on the No.41 shirt – most recently worn by Alfie Gilchrist.
‘I don’t have a particular preference but I really like 41. If I got 41 that would be cool,’ Estevao continued.
‘I’ve always been a No.10 and I move to the wing to have one-on-ones.
‘Of course I respect Abel Ferreira’s decision, I know that I’ve enjoyed being on the wing more, but who knows, in the future I’ll play where I feel more comfortable, which is inside.’
Estevao has been likened to Brazilian icon Neymar on multiple occasions across his meteoric rise over the last 18 months.
But Ronaldo is reminded of Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal when he watches Estevao and is confident his fellow countryman will go on to become a ‘very big star’ in the game.
‘He’s a young player and very talented,’ Ronaldo told Ben Jacobs.
‘He’s kind of like Lamine Yamal. He will soon be a very big star in football.
‘He’s very promising, and at just 17. He’ll play for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup then join Chelsea.’
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