Chelsea have been handed a blow in the race to sign Brazilian wonderkid Endrick after the 16-year-old admitted his admiration for Real Madrid talisman Karim Benzema. The teenage sensation has been heavily linked with a move to many of Europe's top sides lately as he continues to impress for boyhood club Palmeiras.
According to the Evening Standard, Endrick has had 'several' meetings with the Blues over a potential move to Stamford Bridge. Despite this, the report states that Real Madrid believe that they're leading the race to sign the striker.
It's said that Endrick's father Douglas is heavily involved in deciding his son's future and he's said to be working with the agents of Los Blancos star Vinicius Junior. Any future deal that Endrick signs with a European side will be in the New Year and he'll only be able to join a new club in 2024 once he turns 18.
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The report concludes that Douglas will prioritise offers that showcase a clear plan which will see his son fulfil his superstar potential. While the Blues 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.
In an interview with the EFE agency, as quoted by Goal, Endrick spoke of his inspirations and named two Real Madrid players and two Barcelona players. He said: "Benzema, [Robert] Lewandowski, Vinicius Jr and Raphinha are high-class players that I try to watch to learn from them."
Then, Endrick, who has been compared to Neymar, backed Vinicius Jr to impress at the World Cup. He said: "I think he will conquer the world and that in this World Cup (in Qatar) he will be one of the best. He will make an extraordinary duo with Neymar. I never imagined having a friendship with Vini because he is someone I only see on television and I hope we can have a lasting friendship."
If reports are to be believed and Real Madrid do lead the race for Endrick amid his fondness for the Spanish giants, then Chelsea face an up-hill battle to make up ground. Todd Boehly looks to have got the ball rolling already and the American billionaire has played his trump card.
According to The Times, the Blues have urged fellow countryman Thiago Silva to lure Endrick to west London. The 38-year-old defender is a hugely influential figure in Brazil - let alone around the world - and could be the secret weapon Chelsea need to wrap up a deal.
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