Barcelona have reportedly been assured that they are at the head of the queue to sign highly-rated Palmeiras attacker Estevao Willian despite their financial concerns.
The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the most promising teenage talents in South America, despite only making one senior appearance for Palmeiras so far.
Estevao is already making waves at Under-20 level, though, netting twice in a 7-0 Copinha win over Queimadense on Thursday, and he was one of the stars of the 2023 Under-17 World Cup.
The 2007-born attacker could not prevent Brazil from bowing out to Argentina in the quarter-finals, but he scored three goals and set up three more during the November tournament, earning plenty of glances from across Europe in the process.
All of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have been tipped to make a move for Estevao, whose contract with Palmeiras runs until 2026 with a release clause of €60m (£51.6m).
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While Estevao is yearning for a switch to Camp Nou, it was previously reported that Barcelona's financial problems could jeopardize their chances of signing the South American protege given the widespread interest in his services.
However, Mundo Deportivo now claims that Barcelona have been given the green light to pursue a move for Estevao despite their economic woes, as the 16-year-old only has eyes for a transfer to the La Liga champions.
Estevao has been nicknamed 'Messinho' - an ode to his idol Lionel Messi - and both his agent and family are also convinced that Barcelona is the best place for him to develop in the coming years.
First-team coach Xavi and sporting director Deco are also of the view that Estevao will blossom into a crucial player for the Blaugrana in the future, but he will not be able to officially join the club until his 18th birthday in 2025.
Palmeiras are sympathetic to Estevao's desire to join Barcelona, and in order to help him fulfil his dream, the Brazilian club are supposedly prepared to accept a small percentage of the release clause now before receiving most of the money next year.
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The report adds that only a "crazy" offer from a rival party would potentially make Palmeiras think twice, but for the moment, all the signs are pointing towards Estevao joining Barcelona.
La Blaugrana have already added one up-and-coming Brazilian forward to their ranks this month, completing a deal to sign 18-year-old Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense on a seven-and-a-half-year contract.
Roque has already made two appearances for Xavi's side, making his debut in Thursday's 2-1 La Liga win over Las Palmas and also coming off the bench in Sunday's 3-2 Copa del Rey beating of Barbastro.
Barcelona are now gearing up for a trip to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Supercopa de Espana, where they will face Osasuna on Thursday before a potential final against either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid on January 14.
Ben Knapton
