Chelsea and Bayern Munich are set to battle it out in the race to sign Palmeiras’ attacking midfielder Luis Guilherme, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
Palmeiras are open to allowing Guilherme to make a move to Europe but they want to receive the maximum possible transfer fee for his departure.
Chelsea and Bayern have not made any official bid for the 17-year-old forward. However, Palmeiras’ president, Leila Pereira is insisting on a minimum of €60 million to let go of the promising youngster.
🇧🇷 Bayern and Chelsea were in attendance to follow 17 year old talent Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras vs Boca Juniors, as two of five top European clubs in the stands.
No official bid from Chelsea and Bayern but both will keep monitoring Luis then decide about formal bid. pic.twitter.com/9IJRwujZs1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 10, 2023
In response, Palmeiras have informed Chelsea and Bayern that a potential deal would require an initial €35 million plus an additional €25 million tied to performance-related bonuses.
Guilherme is currently under contract with the Brazilian outfit until 2025, with the club holding 90% of his economic rights. His contract reportedly includes a termination clause set at €60 million.
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Since the midfielder won’t reach the age of 18 until February, any chances of a transfer would likely see him join his new club next summer.
While Chelsea and Bayern are seen as the frontrunners in the race for Guilherme, they can expect competition from other European clubs.
Several European clubs reportedly deployed scouts to observe the youngster’ performance during the CONMEBOL Libertadores semi-final match against Boca Juniors at Allianz Parque.
Since joining the first-team setup this year, Guilherme has made 23 appearances across various competitions but has yet to score a goal, although he has provided an assist.
He could be the next young talent to secure a significant transfer away from Palmeiras, following the path of Endrick, who is poised to join Real Madrid for €72 million next summer.
Apart from their interest in Guilherme, Chelsea are advancing in talks to acquire another Brazilian young talent, Gabriel Moscardo. Corinthians are said to be seeking a minimum of €30 million for their star asset.
