Chelsea have “tested the waters” with an offer for Cruzeiro attacking midfielder Felipe Morais, according to reports in the Brazilian media.
It has been claimed that the Blues have been tracking the teenager’s performances at the Under-17 World Cup.
However, PH Cruzeirense say that Enzo Maresca’s side have gone a step further by formally submitting a bid in the region of €10m (£8.8m).
That proposal is not expected to be accepted. Morais’s release clause is set at ten times that figure – €100m (£88m).
Cruzeiro are also keen to keep hold of Morais for the time being, with the 17-year-old having yet to make a senior appearance in club football.
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Chelsea are not the only team pursuing the Brazilian
Morais is attracting the attention of Europe’s elite, with PH Cruzeirense also claiming that Barcelona have made enquiries for the youngster.
Unlike the Blues, though, Barca have yet to submit an offer, but it does demonstrate that the midfielder will be in very high demand as and when Cruzeiro decide to sell him in the future.
What should fans know about Morais?
The Brazilian Under 17 international’s style of play has already been likened to AC Milan and Brazil icon Kaka. He glides across the ground and likes to float in between the lines.
At youth level for Cruzeiro, Morais has played on the wings, but he does drift into central areas frequently, and his best position is believed to be as a no.10.
He played a prominent role as Brazil won the Under-17 South American Championships back in April, when they beat Colombia on penalties in the final.
At the World Cup, Morais scored goals in the opening two group fixtures against Honduras and Indonesia, and he has helped his team progress to the last 16 of the competition.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here