Chelsea appear to be making good progress in pursuit of Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian ahead of the likes of Arsenal.

Over the past few days, speculation has intensified with regards to the Blues and the Palmeiras forward.

For instance, Rudy Galetti claimed that Chelsea were frontrunners for Estevao, a player also said to be on the radar of the Gunners.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has shared two updates which bode very well for the Stamford Bridge outfit, and not so much for Arsenal.

His first X post, at 4:39pm, claimed that Chelsea had reached a reached verbal agreement with Estevao on personal terms.

Romano said he was told that the initial bid – which is still to be sent – will be around €32million (£27.5million) plus add-ons, as talks with Palmeiras will follow.

“Nothing done yet but #CFC remain clear favorites since January,” added the Italian.

Then, at 5:37pm, Romano issued a follow-up update on how Chelsea reportedly plan to structure their payment for Estevao.

The Blues apparently plan to offer €32million (£27.5million) up front, plus €25million (£21.5million) in add-ons based on the player’s performances.

Chelsea ahead of Arsenal in Estevao Willian race

While Arsenal don’t seem to be out of the race for Estevao, Chelsea appear to have raced ahead.

The breakthrough in terms of personal terms is key, and next we’ll have to see what Palmeiras make of the Blues’ offer.

If Arsenal want to stand a chance of winning the race for Estevao, they need to move quickly both in terms of personal terms and making a good offer for his club.