Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has been urged to prioritise the development of Estevão Willian instead of pursuing a reported £116 million transfer for Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz, amid concerns about the Brazilian youngster’s limited playing time at Stamford Bridge.

Estevão has struggled to establish himself as a regular member of Chelsea’s starting lineup this season. The teenage winger has yet to start a Premier League match and has reportedly featured for fewer than 30 minutes since Alonso took charge of the club. His limited involvement has raised questions about whether he is being given sufficient opportunities to fulfil his considerable potential.

Chelsea currently possess several attacking players who have impressed under Alonso, including Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and João Pedro. However, the competition for places has made it increasingly difficult for Estevão to secure consistent minutes, leaving the club facing questions about how best to support his development.

The reported interest in Wirtz could complicate matters further. The German international is capable of operating in advanced midfield positions and contributing creatively in the final third, areas where Estevão could also be deployed. Bringing another high-profile attacker into the squad could therefore intensify competition for the positions the Brazilian hopes to occupy.

Alonso is reportedly interested in reuniting with Wirtz after previously working with the midfielder. Nevertheless, a deal worth approximately £116 million would represent a significant financial commitment and could prompt questions about Chelsea’s transfer priorities, particularly if the move further limits Estevão’s opportunities.

Both players possess considerable technical ability, creativity and the capacity to influence attacking situations. Their versatility could suit Alonso’s flexible 3-4-2-1 formation, in which attacking midfielders operate behind the central striker. However, the similarities in their potential roles mean Chelsea would need to consider how another major signing might affect the development of their young Brazilian prospect.

Estevão primarily operates on the right wing, where his dribbling, direct running and ability to create opportunities make him a threat to opposition defenders. His performances during the 2025/26 campaign demonstrated his attacking promise despite his relative lack of experience at senior level.

Statistics from FotMob indicate that Estevão averaged 3.09 successful dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season. That figure reportedly placed him ahead of 94.7 per cent of players in his position, highlighting his ability to beat opponents and create attacking openings.

Wirtz, by comparison, averaged 1.47 successful dribbles per 90 minutes and recorded five goals and three assists across 33 Premier League appearances. Those numbers have fuelled discussion about his statistical output relative to his reported transfer valuation, although his overall contribution cannot be measured through those figures alone.

Despite his restricted involvement, Estevão registered four goal contributions, suggesting that he could offer Chelsea more if entrusted with greater responsibility. His goals against Barcelona in the Champions League and during the Club World Cup have also demonstrated his finishing ability and confidence in important matches.

Chelsea must now balance the desire to strengthen Alonso’s attacking options with the need to nurture one of their most promising young talents. Providing Estevão with more consistent playing time could help the club evaluate his long-term potential before pursuing another expensive addition in a similar position.