According to a report published by The Athletic on Friday, October 23, 2026, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has been advised to focus on developing Estevao Willian rather than pursuing a reunion with Florian Wirtz, his former player. The recommendation comes amid concerns about the Brazilian youngster’s limited opportunities since Alonso became manager at Stamford Bridge.

Estevao has found it difficult to establish himself in Chelsea’s first team under the Spanish coach. The teenager has yet to start a Premier League match this season and has accumulated fewer than 30 minutes in the competition under Alonso. His lack of regular playing time has raised questions about how the club intends to nurture his considerable potential.

Chelsea’s attacking department is already crowded with talented players, including Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro. Their established positions within the team have made it challenging for Estevao to secure consistent minutes and showcase his abilities at the highest level.

Despite the situation, Alonso has reportedly considered bringing Wirtz to Chelsea. However, such a move could create additional competition for Estevao, potentially restricting the Brazilian’s development further. The proposed transfer fee of £116 million has also prompted questions about whether the investment would be justified.

Although Estevao and Wirtz possess different playing styles, both could compete for attacking roles in Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Consequently, Chelsea must carefully consider whether recruiting another expensive attacker would be more beneficial than investing in a promising player already within the squad.

Statistics from FotMob highlight Estevao’s ability to create opportunities through individual skill. During the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, he averaged 3.09 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, placing him ahead of 94.7 per cent of players in his position. Wirtz recorded an average of 1.47 successful dribbles per 90 minutes during the same campaign.

The German international registered five goals and three assists in 33 Premier League appearances, while Estevao contributed to four goals despite receiving considerably less playing time. These figures have raised doubts about whether Chelsea would receive sufficient value from the reported transfer fee for Wirtz.

Estevao has already demonstrated his potential on important occasions, scoring against Barcelona in the Champions League and during the Club World Cup. Providing him with more opportunities could strengthen Chelsea’s attack while supporting his long-term development.

Rather than committing £116 million to another attacking signing, Chelsea could benefit from trusting Estevao, allowing the Brazilian teenager to gain experience and establish himself as a key figure in Alonso’s plans.