Enzo Maresca sends message to Estevao Willian ahead of Chelsea move

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed the club are delighted with Estevao Willian's development.

The teenager will transfer to Stamford Bridge from Palmeiras next summer for an initial fee of £29m, although that could rise to £51m if the criteria for various add-ons are met.

If all the criteria were met, Willian would become the most expensive Brazilian teenager in history.

Nicknamed 'Little Messi' in his native Brazil, Willian is one of the most highly regarded talents in South American football.

Brazil great Neymar believes the 17-year-old is destined for great things, labelling him a “genius” ahead of his move to the Premier League next summer.

The Blues bosses have consistently targeted young South American talent during their tenure. Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, Angelo and Kendry Paez have all been brought in, while Endrick was in the firing line before his move to Real Madrid.

Willian has scored four goals and registered two assists in his last four games, taking his tally to 15 goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances this year so far.

Some believe Willian could become a generational talent, although he will undoubtedly face competition for a starting place at Chelsea next season.

Asked about the player after Saturday's 1-0 win over Bournemouth, Maresca said: “Yes, we are following him. He is doing a fantastic job – but, unfortunately, he is doing a fantastic job there and not with us.”

“We'll wait until next summer for him to get here, but we're very happy with the way he's doing things.”