Paris Saint-Germain look to have leapfrogged Chelsea in the race to sign Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick. The 16-year-old has been heavily linked with a number of Europe's top sides lately as he continues to exceed expectations.
The striker has featured seven times for Palmeiras this season, directly contributing towards four goals. Last month, he broke a 106-year record to become the club's youngest-ever goal scorer after finding the net in a Serie A clash against Athletico Paranaense.
Endrick's impressive performances have seen him already be compared to Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo. PSG, Real Madrid and Chelsea are believed to be leading the race to acquire the teenage sensation's signature, although the French giants may have just edged ahead.
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According to Brazilian outlet ge, the Parisians have been in talks with Palmeiras regarding the possibility of signing both Endrick and teammate Estevao. It's said that €80million (£69.3million) for the duo was initially discussed; €50million (£43.3million) up front and €30million (£26million) in bonuses.
However, the report outlines that people from inside the Brazilian side say there has been no official approach so far but Palmeiras want Endrick and Estevao, who both came through the club's academy, valued.
According to the Evening Standard, Endrick has had 'several' meetings with Chelsea over a potential move to Stamford Bridge. It's said that the striker's father, Douglas, is heavily involved in deciding his son's future and he's said to be working with the agents of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.
Any potential deal that Endrick signs with a club abroad will be in the New Year and he'll only be able to join a new foreign club in 2024 once he turns 18. The report adds that Douglas will prioritise offers that showcase a clear plan which will see his son fulfil his superstar potential.
While Chelsea have earned a great reputation for developing some of the world's best youngsters in recent years, the pathway from Cobham to the first team hasn't always been as easy a transition. Speaking to AS, as quoted by 90min, Palmeiras academy director Joao Paulo Sampaio likened the wonderkid to the Manchester United striker Ronaldo.
"He has quality, a strong personality and a champion mentality," he said. "In that regard, he resembles Cristiano [Ronaldo]. He trains hard, is kind and has humility.
"We love him very much because he makes himself loved. He tries to please everyone around him."
Sampaio added by claiming that Endrick can become a 'world star' whose potential is as high as 'humanly possible'. The Palmeiras director addressed the speculation regarding the youngster's future and confirmed Chelsea's interest.
"If injuries respect him, I don't see a ceiling for him - as far as is humanly possible," Sampaio said. "He has everything to be a world star in the future.
"I am convinced that Endrick, if he does not have injury problems, will not disappoint anyone. What I want is to see him happy.
"He's a player for any great team, for Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Chelsea, Manchester United - he's different," he added. "He is a born goalscorer and can be a world star. He has the technique, physique and mentality to go a long way. Wherever he goes, I wish him, above all, much happiness."
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