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The January transfer window isn’t far away and without European football, there are a handful of Chelsea players not getting the game time they deserve. Estevao sits at the top of that pile.
The Brazil international started against Manchester United on Saturday and was excellent. But it was the teenager’s third start of the season, and his first in the Premier League since Xabi Alonso took over.
Estevao is believed to have an issue with changing position, but reports since the Man United game suggest the exact opposite – that he could sign a new deal, and a January departure is off the cards.
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Four clubs make ‘discreet’ moves to sign Estevao
The hug between Estevao and Xabi Alonso when he came off against Man United on Saturday, it suggested there was no ill-feeling between the duo given the former Palmeiras star’s lack of action.
There were murmurs that Estevao could pursue a departure before his start on Saturday, and Jamie O’Hara even gave an impassioned speech about how Estevao needs to leave the West London club.
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Time for Subuloye to replace Fofana. Subuloye is four inches taller than him, was/is a captain and we can't afford any more eff ups from Fofana
We could have been 2 down in the first half and that would have been down to Fofana. Much better 2nd half and brilliant to see a fit Lavia at his best. Estevao probably took his chance but needs to vary his game and not just cut in and shoot.
It’s a shame because he was a monster at Leicester. He’s still a strong and aggressive defender, but I do feel like he gets done so easily.
According to TeamTalk, four European giants have made ‘discreet’ moves to sign Estevao in the past few weeks amid his situation. Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, PSG and Barcelona have all made a move.
On these shores, the report claims Arsenal and Man City are also interested in Estevao, while Man United would like to make an ambitious move and raid Chelsea for a second time after signing Andrey Santos.
Estevao should get second chance to shine on Sunday
The pocket-sized star was brilliant on Saturday. Steven Gerrard admitted he loved watching Estevao, and even said Liverpool lack a player like the teen star – once voted the second-best teen on the planet.
With Joao Pedro missing from the Brazil squad, it looks as if Estevao will get the chance to start again on Sunday when Chelsea go to Sunderland for revenge. Chelsea were beaten 2-1 on Wearside last time out.
That result saw Chelsea’s hope of European football this season, come to a halt. With Pedro missing, it is likely Alonso names Estevao in his starting XI again. If he wants to stay, it is crucial he performs well.