Transfer Talk: Bayern, Chelsea in race to get Palmeiras’ Estêvão

The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip is swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Bayern, Chelsea will look to get Palmeiras’ Estêvão

Bayern Munich and Chelsea are battling to sign Palmeiras winger Estêvão Willian, according to AS.

The Blues have taken the lead in their efforts to sign the 17-year-old and are planning to make their first offer to Palmeiras once the Premier League season has come to an end.

Estêvão has a release clause worth €60 million, and the Brazilian club is reportedly looking for a deal similar to the one that has taken Endrick to Real Madrid (€35m, with the remaining €25m in add-ons).

Under the stewardship of Todd Boehly, Chelsea have already signed young South American talents such as Kendry Paez, Andrey Santos and Angelo and want to offer €30m plus add-ons for Estevao, while Palmeiras plan to get a fixed €45m and variables that could take the fee past his €60m clause.

This is likely to be the most expensive transfer from South America to Europe in history and Estevao would stay in Brazil until he turns 18, although the deal is far from complete.

There will also be competition, as Bayern will make an offer in the coming days having already made contact with Palmeiras, as they are willing to do everything possible to sign the winger — even so, the outlet reports that they don’t have a formal offer on the table.

A move to Spain is currently out of the question, as Real Madrid are focusing their attention on River Plate attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono while Barcelona’s perilous financial situation makes a deal impossible for them.

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PAPER GOSSIP

– AS Roma are hoping to sign Juventus winger Federico Chiesa with his contract running out in 2025, according to Corriere dello Sport. The Bianconeri are unlikely to simply let the 26-year-old leave, though, as La Gazzetta dello Sport state that Juve are looking to extend his contract for another year, something Chiesa would also be happy to do.

– Chelsea are looking at Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale as they aim to bring in a new first-choice goalkeeper, according to Football Insider. Ramsdale, 25, is likely to leave the Gunners once they permanently sign David Raya from Brentford, but signing Pickford, 30, would be more difficult as the Toffees are likely to price him out of a move.

– AFC Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly has reached an agreement to join Newcastle United as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the season, as reported by Foot Mercato. This comes after long-term links with the 25-year-old and would see him reunited with former Cherries boss Eddie Howe.

– Napoli are considering Parma’s Ange-Yoan Bonny as they look to sign a striker in the summer, according to Calciomercato. The 20-year-old’s fine form has helped the Crociati win promotion from Serie B, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists in 37 matches across all competitions.

– Brondby striker Yuito Suzuki is among the players that VfB Stuttgart are looking at as they prepare to play in the UEFA Champions League, according to Kicker, which adds that the Bundesliga club has scouted him in person. It could take a fee between €15m and €20m to sign the 22-year-old, but things have not progressed far yet and there could be competition from other clubs.

– Udinese are hoping to lure Tolgay Arslan back to the club with the promise of making the 33-year-old their new sporting director, according to FTBL. Arslan has starred for Melbourne City in the A-League this season and is now weighing up whether to stay within the City Football Group or return to the Friulani.