Barcelona are now the preferred choice for Estevão, Palmeiras‘ 16-year-old attacking midfielder, over other European giants including Arsenal.

Palmeiras are not rushing to sell their young star. They want Estevão to play a key role in the Copinha, hoping he will further develop in 2024.

Barcelona are at the forefront of the race to sign Estevão. Other clubs like Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and PSG have also shown interest, but Barcelona seems to be Estevão’s favoured destination.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Estevão’s agent will meet with Barcelona next week. André Cury, who facilitated Vitor Roque‘s move to Barcelona, will be involved in these talks.

Estevão expressed his desire to play for Barcelona in an interview with Mundo Deportivo in October, citing his admiration for Neymar, Messi, and Suárez.

His release clause is set at €60 million. Despite Barcelona’s financial challenges, their relationship with André Cury could play a pivotal role in negotiations.

Even if a transfer is agreed upon, Estevão will stay in Brazil until the July 2025 transfer window, when he turns 18, to comply with international transfer rules.

Estevão has played only one professional game so far. He shone in the under-17 World Cup with Brazil, scoring three goals and providing three assists in five matches.

Spanish newspapers Marca and AS have lauded Estevão’s performances, with Marca naming him one of the standout players of the U-17 World Cup and AS dubbing him ‘Messinho’.