Barcelona are closely monitoring Estevao Willian’s situation at Chelsea as they plot a possible approach next year, according to reports in Spain.

The 19-year-old made his first Premier League start of the season during the Blues’ 2-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday, but he has struggled for game time since the appointment of Xabi Alonso and significant transfer speculation has grown as a result.

Alonso brushed aside suggestions that Estevao could leave the club next year during his pre-match press conference ahead of the victory versus Man Utd and the Brazilian was subsequently showered with praise by the Chelsea manager after a starring performance at Stamford Bridge.

“We knew earlier this week - you ask me but sometimes I can’t give you all the info. We spoke after Tottenham and he knew he was going to be playing today,” Alonso told reporters when asked about his decision to include Estevao in the starting XI.

“He had the best response and showed that he deserves more and that he was prepared, and that is what we want from our players. So we're very happy for him.

“He deserves to enjoy this game; he had a good connection with the crowd and was really close to scoring his goal. He fought really hard and at the end he was tired, but it has been a good day for him.

“I assess different situations, from what we were going to do against Liverpool, and what we were going to do [against Man Utd]. I had an idea [that Estevao would start], and I had it clear that he could have a good impact today, and he has shown it.

“He was a threat, he created many chances and situations where we could score. He has shown it well today.”

However, rumours of an exit are still rife and Spanish outlet SPORT claim that Barcelona are closely monitoring his situation.

Estevao to Barcelona?

Barcelona were strongly linked with a move for Estevao during his time at Palmeiras, but a deal in 2027 would be a major surprise given he plays in the same position as Lamine Yamal.

Estevao could be shifted to the left flank or moved centrally, however there is huge competition for places in those positions too and it therefore seems highly unlikely that he would be able to break into Hansi Flick’s preferred XI, despite his obvious talent.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have placed him in their list of “untouchables,” and a sale isn’t expected to be sanctioned next year, with the Blues instead eager to retain Estevao’s services for the foreseeable future.