Transfer Centre

Premier League giants rivalling Real Madrid for Palmeiras duo?

By Andrew Delaney, Reporter | 14 October 2023

Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly rivalling Real Madrid in the chase for Palmeiras pair Estevao and Luis Guilherme.

A number of Premier League clubs have reportedly joined the race for Palmeiras youngsters Estevao and Luis Guilherme.

Luis Guilherme has been in and around the side, often playing a bit-part role, for much of 2023 so far, including featuring in the recent Copa Libertadores semi-final defeat to Boca Juniors.

Estevao has yet to make his professional debut, but has featured at Under-17 level for both club and country, while the winger was also the youngest ever player to receive a professional contract with Nike, signing with the brand as a 10-year-old, back in 2018.

90min claims that Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are the English clubs in the market for the two teenagers.

However, they are set to receive competition from Real Madrid, who have been notorious in scouting talent from Brazil in particular.

Current attacking duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo were both snapped up directly from Brazilian clubs Flamengo and Santos, respectively, in the late 2010s.

Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior on September 27, 2023 © Reuters

With two Palmeiras players now in the limelight, Real have already secured the signing of arguably their most prized possession, Endrick, who will join in the summer of 2024.

Man City have enjoyed recent success shopping in South America, as the signing of Julian Alvarez from River Plate has proved to be an inspired one.

The Argentine World Cup winner has started in all-but-one of Man City's games in all competitions so far this season, scoring six and setting up another four.

Chelsea are another Premier League club who have been busy in the Brazilian market, signing Deivid Washington, Andrey Santos and Angelo Gabriel this year.

Since the arrival of Todd Boehly as the club's owner, Chelsea have prioritised signing young talent, with the majority of their incomings being either teenagers, or in their early-20s.

After holding out for a deal which could rise to up to €72m (£62.5m) for Endrick though, it is unlikely that Palmeiras would let their two new wonderkids leave on the cheap.

Atletico Paranaense's Vitor Roque will join Barcelona next summer for around €40m (£35m), while Matheus Franca, Danilo and Murilo have all joined Premier League clubs this year for substantial fees from other Brazilian clubs.