Olaleye Idowu
Former Chelsea and Arsenal star, Emmanuel Petit, has said that the Blues have made a decision to choose 17-year-old, Estevao Willian over Christopher Nkunku in their planning.
Urban Express News Online Sport reports that the Brazilian youngster has signed for the Premier League side and will join them in the summer of 2025 after he turns 18.
The Blues have paid an initial €34 million to Palmeiras for the 17-year-old Brazil international, beating a host of clubs to the signature of the youngster.
Chelsea will only complete the move for the teenager after he turns 18 in April 2025 according to Premier League regulations.
He leads the Brazilian top-flight in goals and assists, with 12 goals and eight assists to his name in just 27 appearances this season.
Emmanuel Petit said that the youngster is coming to play in an attacking midfield role, hence the decision to shift Nkunku, who enjoys a similar role, to being a striker.
“Christopher Nkunku isn’t being prioritised at Chelsea because of who is coming in to play in that position, Estevao Willian,” Petit told Casino Hawks.
“This is a player who has broken Neymar’s records in Brazil and has so much quality despite only being 17.
“His agent says that everything is clear with the Chelsea board in terms of plans and he’ll be playing in the number 10 position next season.
“Nkunku has done well and has also played well for France, but his injuries have held him back and although Chelsea will be very happy to keep him, he isn’t their priority.”
