Chelsea view Estevao Willian as an 'untouchable' member of Xabi Alonso's squad amid fresh interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid. The La Liga giants have been linked with the Brazilian teenage sensation following his underwhelming start to the new season.
Estevao, who turned 19 in April, showed glimpses of his immense potential last term, making 36 appearances in all competitions and scoring eight goals. But the Brazil international is yet to make a Premier League start under new Chelsea boss Alonso, sparking speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge.
Reduced role in west London
Chelsea beat a number of clubs in the race to sign Estevao from Palmeiras in 2024, and the attacker is viewed as one of the best young players in world football. But the fierce competition at Chelsea and Alonso's favoured 3-4-3 system has already forced Estevao to settle for a reduced role in west London.
It has been reported in recent weeks that Estevao is growing frustrated at Chelsea and could seek a move away from the club should his game-time continue to suffer. That has sparked interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, who were both interested in signing Estevao during his breakout in Brazil.
Club's stance on sale
According to Football London, the hierarchy at Chelsea have played down the rumours surrounding Estevao and maintain he is still 'untouchable' in terms of a sale. It is claimed Estevao is still viewed as a 'massive part' of the club's long-term project and that Stamford Bridge bosses expect him to play a significant role for the team this season.
Alonso recently insisted that would indeed be the case despite Estevao's lack of minutes so far this term. Asked whether the Brazilian had an important role at Chelsea, Alonso replied: 'With Este, 100% because of his potential, because he's so young but he's in that process to adapt and to learn quick.
'The season is going to be long. [We've had] private conversations, they should remain private. But the season is going to be long.
'And the players that they have the desire and the hunger to prove every day that they are up for the challenge, it's what we want to create here in the building. And Este is part of it.
'So he has a very good attitude, very good mentality to prepare every game and to be ready for the team.'
Leboeuf's warning
But former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf believes Alonso could decide to 'sacrifice' Estevao and says a move could be in the best interest of all parties. 'I think Estevao might have to leave Chelsea and it's a shame because he is a pure talent,' the former Stamford Bridge defender told My Gamble.
'But Xabi Alonso proved at Leverkusen that his system works by going undefeated and winning the Bundesliga. Why change it?
'He joined Chelsea when Estevao was already there, but he didn't specifically choose him. Estevao might be sacrificed. It might be time to sell him.
'If you're not going to use him, sell him, because he deserves to play and could be well-utilized by other teams. He has great talent.
'If Xabi Alonso doesn't need him, why keep him instead of letting him move elsewhere?'
