Chelsea open talks for Brazilian wonderkid, Manchester United and Aston Villa are also interested

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC sources have confirmed that Chelsea have opened talks with Brazilian club Gremio over a deal for Gabriel Mec.

The Blues have been frequent visitors to the South American market with deals already completed for Estevao Willian, Kendry Paez, Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington and Angelo Gabriel in the last 12 months.

Chelsea are now ready to return to Brazil in pursuit of 16-year-old winger Gabriel Mec, who has caught the eye of many top clubs around Europe.

The London club are eager to recruit up-and-coming stars and they now want to add Mec to their list of talents.

HITC understands that Chelsea have entered talks with Gremio and that Mec is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

However, we understand that Chelsea are not alone in their pursuit of the talented teenager.

Manchester United and Aston Villa among list of suitors

Chelsea have opened talks for Mec but they have a number of European clubs breathing down their neck.

HITC can also reveal that Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Wolves are all showing interest in the Brazil youngster.

Mec’s performances for Gremio have also caught the attention of Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Monaco, Lyon and Napoli, who are also keen.

Chelsea continue to push for young stars

A staple of Chelsea’s transfer strategy since their takeover has been the club looking to sign young stars on long contracts.

They have already shown this window that they will continue to adopt that strategy with interest in Euro 2024 star Xavi Simons.

READ MORE: Chelsea offered the chance to sign PSG duo as talks continue over £110m Victor Osimhen deal

The London outfit has not yet reaped any reward from their plans, but their list of prospects is growing every window.

They are not afraid to spend big and roll the dice on one of their many young stars becoming a world-class talent in years to come and sealing a deal for Mec would only add to their chances.