Chelsea have entered the race to snap up Gremio attacking midfielder Gabriel Mec, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Radio Imortal initially revealed that the Blues were interested in the 16-year-old and writing on X, Romano confirmed that the London club “are pushing” to snap up the player.
Mec hasn’t made his first-team debut for Gremio yet, but he is widely regarded as one of the most promising players coming through their academy.
He is predominantly a no.10 but, due to the fact that he is both-footed, he has also been deployed on both wings at youth level.
This month, Mec has caught the eye with his performances for Gremio in the Campeonato Brasileiro Under 20, coming on as a substitute against Fluminense and Corinthians.
Chelsea are not the only English club who are interested in the Brazilian
It was reported back in September last year that Arsenal were scouting the teenager, along with French side Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners and PSG were said to be in contact with the player’s representatives about a future transfer to Europe.
However, since then, it appears that the Blues have moved ahead of their rivals in the battle for Mec’s signature.
Mec wouldn’t move to Stamford Bridge straight away
Even if Chelsea do agree a deal with Gremio for the midfielder, fans won’t see him in a Blues shirt for two years at the very least. Employment rules in Brazil mean players can’t move outside the country until they are 18 are over.
That is why Estevao Willian will only complete his move to England next year despite the club having paid an initial £29m to secure his services from Palmeiras. As Mec only turned 16 in April, it means that a transfer can only be sanctioned after April 2026.
