According to a report by Football London on Friday October 23, 2026, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has been urged to prioritise Estevão Willian’s development rather than pursue Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz in a potentially expensive £116 million transfer move.

The Brazilian teenager has struggled to secure regular opportunities this season, failing to start a Premier League game and receiving fewer than 30 minutes since Alonso became Chelsea manager.

Although Alonso has understandable reasons for limiting Estevão’s involvement, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and João Pedro have delivered impressive performances, establishing themselves as important figures within Chelsea’s attacking setup.

However, Chelsea’s reported interest in Wirtz could complicate matters further, especially because the German international operates in positions where Estevão hopes to establish himself as a regular starter.

Alonso reportedly wants to reunite with Wirtz, whom he previously coached. Nevertheless, spending £116 million on another attacker could restrict Estevão’s development and create additional competition.

Both players possess different qualities but could occupy the attacking midfield positions behind the striker in Alonso’s flexible 3-4-2-1 formation, potentially limiting the teenager’s opportunities.

Estevão usually operates from the right flank, where his dribbling, creativity and direct attacking approach have attracted attention. His performances last season demonstrated considerable promise despite his age.

According to FotMob statistics, Estevão averaged 3.09 successful dribbles per 90 minutes during the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, outperforming 94.7 per cent of players in his position.

Wirtz averaged 1.47 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, while recording five goals and three assists across 33 Premier League appearances, raising questions about his contribution relative to his reported transfer valuation.

Estevão produced four goal contributions despite considerably fewer appearances and limited playing time, highlighting his potential to become an important attacking option.

His memorable goals against Barcelona in the Champions League and during the Club World Cup have also demonstrated his finishing ability and attacking confidence.

“Chelsea should give Estevão consistent opportunities to develop rather than risk limiting his progress with another expensive signing,” critics argue, emphasising the importance of nurturing young talent.

With suggestions that Estevão is frustrated by his limited involvement, signing Wirtz could worsen the situation and potentially threaten the Brazilian’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge.