Chelsea to raid Estevao’s old club to sign Luis Pacheco, 18, with Brazilian whiz having £86.5m transfer release clause

CHELSEA are keeping tabs on Palmeiras wonderkid Luis Pacheco as they continue to scour Brazil for the next big talent. According to Sport Witness, the 18-year-old midfielder has emerged on the Blues’ radar with Chelsea among the clubs to have shown an interest in the teenager. Chelsea also signed Estevao from Palmeiras Credit: AFP Estevao and Joao Pedro are two Brazilians who are lighting it up for Chelsea, and they want to potentially add another Samba Star Credit: Getty Palmeiras have been presenting Pacheco to a number of clubs, with Chelsea watching closely and gathering more information before deciding whether to make a move. But there is nothing imminent this summer, with January understood to be a more realistic window for Chelsea to consider a deal. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! The Blues want several more months to assess Pacheco before deciding whether to step up their interest. Pacheco is already part of Abel Ferreira’s first-team squad at Palmeiras, despite his limited senior experience. Pacheco is a midfielder who is physically strong, comfortable receiving the ball from the defence, and composed in possession. Ferreira has been a big believer in Pacheco’s ability and brought him permanently into the senior set-up earlier this year when he was still only 17. The Portuguese boss even questioned whether Palmeiras needed to sign another defensive midfielder when World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez was linked with the club. Ferreira said: “If we sign another midfielder, this Luis you saw playing very well today will have his path blocked. He’s a player with a lot of potential who can give us something now and in the future.” Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Palmeiras are one of South America’s finest talent factories, with the likes of Cafu (left) and Roberto Carlos (right) having come through there Credit: AFP Pacheco signed a new contract in 2025 which runs until September 2028 and contains a €100million (£86.5m) release clause for foreign clubs. Xabi Alonso‘s side are not the only European giants to have noticed him. PSG also sent a scout to Brazil to watch the midfielder this year – according to reports in Brazil. Chelsea’s pursuit would continue their growing relationship with Palmeiras after the Blues signed Brazilian sensation Estevao from the club last year. Palmeiras have become something of a production line for European giants, with Manchester City signing Gabriel Jesus from there for £27million in January 2017. Gabriel Jesus won the title with Palmeiras as a youngster before moving to England Credit: Getty Images Real Madrid also signed teenage sensation Endrick from Palmeiras in 2024 in a deal worth around £60million. The club has also been home to Brazilian legends including Roberto Carlos, Cafu and Rivaldo, adding plenty of pedigree to Pacheco’s potential next destination. Pacheco is highly rated and seems to have a big future ahead of him. But for now, it appears that Chelsea are taking their time rather than rushing into another Brazilian deal. Comment now