Chelsea are closing in on the signing of a Brazilian teenager, according to reports.
The west London side have heavily pursued young talent since the takeover of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2022, with a view to building a squad that can remain at the club for years to come.
The Blues have already been active in this summer’s transfer window with seven new signings so far, despite several seasons of investment as they seek an instant improvement to last season.
And according to Brazilian outlet Globo, Chelsea have agreed a deal with Gremio to sign 16-year-old Gabriel Mec.
The attacking midfielder will cost £20.5million (€24m) and has agreed to a five year contract with the option of a further two years.
Chelsea are closing in on the signing of another Brazilian teenager, according to reports
Chelsea have agreed a deal with Gremio to sign 16-year-old attacker Gabriel Mec
Mec’s agent, Neymar Snr, was in Porto Alegre two weeks ago to hold talks, with Gremio rejecting Chelsea’s opening offer which was £12.8m.
The youngster is yet to make his first team debut for Gremio but has made an impact in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship, with one goal in six appearances.
Should Chelsea complete the signing of Mec, he will not be able to officially join the club until he turns 18, in line with international transfer regulations for minors.
Earlier this summer, Chelsea officially announced the signing of 17-year-old Estevao Willian from Palmeiras in a £28m deal.
As well as joining the list of Brazilian players at Chelsea, Mec would be the 17th teenager to be signed by the Blues since Boehly took control of the club in 2022.
Todd Boehly’s spending on teenage players will to rise to £303m if Mec’s move is completed
Those teens have cost a total of £282.5m in combined transfer fees, with Romeo Lavia the most expensive.
Ecuadorian forward Kendry Paez, 17, will also sign for the club in a £17.2m move once he turns 18 in May 2025.