Chelsea have reportedly agreed a £29 million deal for Palmeiras teenager Estevao Willian, while Brighton could replace the outgoing Roberto De Zerbi with Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna. Manchester United and Chelsea are both interested in bringing in the Italian if they sack their current coaches, and Brentford’s stats expert Bernardo Cueva will join Chelsea.
CHELSEA SET TO SIGN WILLIAN
Chelsea will sign Estevao Willian in 2025 when he turns 18, according to the Mirror.
They have agreed a deal worth £29 million for the forward who is currently playing with Palmeiras.
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The paper reports: “Chelsea have agreed a £29 million deal that could rise to £56m including add-ons for Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian.
“The big-spending Blues had club delegates in the stands on Wednesday to watch the 17-year-old attacker in action against Independiente del Valle.
“And now they’re in the process of tying up an agreement with Palmeiras to sign the highly rated generational talent, who would formally complete his life-changing switch to west London in the summer of 2025 following his 18th birthday next April.
“An initial proposal worth £49m including add-ons was originally knocked back by the Brazilian club but Chelsea have since returned to the table with a fresh bid that meets Palmeiras’ valuation and additionally, it could potentially surpass the fee they’ll receive for Real Madrid-bound Endrick. Personal terms have already been agreed between the parties and now it just looks a case of final details.”
BRIGHTON TARGET MCKENNA
After the announcement that Roberto De Zerbi would leave the club at the end of the season, Brighton have moved onto looking for a replacement.
The Telegraph suggests that Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna could be the man they want.
The paper writes: “Brighton are expected to make a move for Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna after announcing that Roberto De Zerbi will leave the club following their final match of the season on Sunday.
“De Zerbi and Brighton have “mutually agreed” to move in separate directions after months of uncertainty over his future, leaving the Premier League club in need of a replacement head coach before the new season.
“De Zerbi has enhanced his already strong reputation during his time at Brighton and has admirers at some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
“Reports in Germany have indicated that De Zerbi is of serious interest to Bayern Munich, who are still searching for a new manager.”
UNITED AND CHELSEA COULD CONSIDER DE ZERBI
The Express believes that Manchester United and Chelsea may now turn their attention to Roberto De Zerbi.
Both Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino’s futures are uncertain after difficult seasons and De Zerbi may be picked as a replacement.
The paper writes: “Roberto De Zerbi is set to join the pool of available managers amid an array of high-profile vacancies after Brighton and Hove Albion confirmed his imminent exit this afternoon. The Italian’s fresh availability could directly impact Chelsea and Manchester United’s plans, with both clubs potentially on the hunt for a new face in the dugout.
“Mauricio Pochettino has somewhat salvaged his maiden season as Chelsea boss, which looked destined for disaster after February’s Carabao Cup final defeat.
“Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has endured a nightmare second campaign at United, who are at risk of suffering their lowest-ever Premier League finish in eighth.
“De Zerbi has been among the several coaches linked with replacing him.
“His sudden availability could work in two ways for Pochettino and Ten Hag. Chelsea and United suddenly have an exciting coach on the table for whom they wouldn’t need to pay compensation.”
BRENTFORD LOSE CUEVA TO CHELSEA
The Evening Standard reports that Brentford’s stats expert Bernardo Cueva will join Chelsea.
The coach is wanted as part of a behind-the-scenes revolution at Stamford Bridge.
The paper reports: “Brentford have confirmed tactical statistician Bernardo Cueva is set to leave the club, with Chelsea poaching the highly rated coach.
“As revealed by Standard Sport in March, The Blues have lured Cueva across London and he has agreed to start a new set-piece department.
“It is one of a number of big-name backroom appointments, which also include Brighton’s head of recruitment Sam Jewell, Swansea’s head of football operations Josh Marsh and former FA culture consultant Owen Eastwood.”
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