LONDON: Chelsea are closing in on signing Brazilian teenage sensation Gabriel Mec from Gremio.
The London club has begun scouting talented players since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over the club in 2022, with the aim of building a long-lasting squad.
The Blues have signed seven players in this transfer window, hoping to improve on last season’s achievements after a big spending spree.
According to Brazilian media, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Gremio to sign the 16-year-old.
The midfielder is worth 20.5 million pounds and Mec agreed to sign a five-year contract with the option of a further two years.
The teenager is yet to feature for Gremio’s main squad but has made an impact in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship – scoring once in six appearances.
If he manages to sign for Mec, he will only join the Stamford Bridge club after turning 18, in line with international transfer regulations for underage players.
Mec will be the 17th teenager signed by Chelsea since Boehly took over the club in 2022.
Ecuador striker Kendry Paez, 17, will also sign a contract at Stamford Bridge after turning 18 in May 2025.