Chelsea have been told Estevao Willian is destined to become a “great player” elsewhere amid speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona.

Estevao caught the eye for the Blues last season, registering eight goals and three assists in an impressive first season at Stamford Bridge.

However, the teen sensation, 19, has endured a difficult opening to 2026-27, making just two starts under Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso.

Estevao featured from the get-go against Luton Town and Leeds United in the Carabao Cup - but he has received just 29 minutes of Premier League football.

The winger has found himself on the periphery due to the stunning form of Chelsea trio Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro.

BBC Sport understands the Brazil international has not fallen out with Alonso despite his lack of playing time under the Chelsea boss.

However, Spanish publication SPORT claims Barcelona are admirers of the former Palmeiras forward and are monitoring his situation closely.

As the rumour mill continuing to churn, BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin believes the writing is on the wall for Estevao at Chelsea.

In an interview with GOAL via NetBet Casino, former Chelsea winger Nevin said of Estevao: “When he arrived at Chelsea and he played a couple of games, I thought what a fantastic, brilliant player. I absolutely, totally love him. And he'll be a great player, but probably not for Chelsea.”

Estevao will be hoping to receive more minutes when Chelsea travel to Liverpool in the fourth round of the League Cup on Wednesday, 28 October.

Before making the trip to Liverpool, the west London club entertain Tottenham Hotspur in their next Premier League fixture next Saturday.

Martinez 'back in a few weeks' after jaw surgery

Chelsea have made a solid start to life under Alonso, winning six of their nine games under the Spaniard, losing two and drawing one.

The six-time league champions recorded their first clean sheet in nine months by beating Everton 2-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.

Three points on Merseyside! ⚪️👊

#CFC | #EVECHE https://t.co/pwR3wQtM6Q

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 17, 2026

Chelsea were forced to make a change in goal, however, after Emiliano Martinez was stretched off following a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite.

Martinez, who was replaced by Mike Penders on Merseyside, was taken to hospital where he had successful surgery to repair a fractured jaw.

The Argentina international goalkeeper has since issued an update to Chelsea supporters, saying he is aiming to be “back in a few weeks”.