Former Arsenal and Real Madrid star describes Chelsea's latest signing as 'incredible' after deal is agreed

Former Arsenal forward Julio Baptista says Chelsea have a gem in their hands after the club agreed to a stunning £51 million deal to sign Estevao Willian from  Palmeiras.

The teenager underwent a medical earlier this week and is now on the brink of being confirmed as a Chelsea player in a deal initially worth £29.5 million. Estevao will become the most expensive transfer involving a South American teenager in history should Chelsea ultimately end up paying the full £51 million fee.

But Baptista who played at both Arsenal and Real Madrid says the price will not be a topic because Estevao is such a brilliant player and Chelsea have bought well.

He told Oddspedia: “Estevao Willian is an incredible talent coming out of Brazil, but I don’t like him being compared to a player like Lionel Messi. The talent coming out of Brazil is incredible, but the expectations can weigh on them a little bit. But he can become an incredible player and is a great signing for Chelsea.“

Chelsea decision-makers have focused a large part of their transfer strategy on recruiting young players from South America. They are following in the footsteps of Real Madrid who have benefitted from early signing Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.

Last season, Chelsea rallied to finish sixth in the league and they’re looking to strengthen and hope that they can take two steps to get Champions League football next season.

The club have already confirmed the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo on free from Fulham this month.