Arsenal and Man United wanted to sign star ‘like Neymar’, now he’s lighting up the Champions League with their rivals
Arsenal and Man United have both missed the chance to sign one of the most exciting talents in Europe right now.
Of course, Arsenal have the likes of Bukayo Saka, as well as Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman, while the Red Devils are excited about the emergences of Chido Obi and Patrick Dorgu.
While Ruben Amorim‘s side are completely out of Europe this season, Mikel Arteta’s team will be aiming to lift the Champions League trophy, and they have made a bright start to the campaign.
The Gunners have the opportunity to take a slender lead at the top of the table with victory against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, 26 November, but those chances may have been greater with a different transfer.
Arsenal and Man United miss out on signing Estevao
Back in the summer of 2024, Arsenal and Man United had both joined the race to sign 16-year-old gem, Estevao, from Palmeiras, with multiple European giants already in the queue [GOAL].
Instead, Chelsea moved ahead of the pack, with the Blues welcoming him to Stamford Bridge during the most recent summer transfer window. It is safe to say that his arrival has been incredible.
In 17 games, the Brazilian winger, already being dubbed “like Neymar” by Pat Nevin [GOAL], has notched five goals and one assist, including a winner against Liverpool and two Champions League goals.
He also has five goals in 11 caps for the Brazil national team, earning Estevao rave reviews from Carlo Ancelotti, but it could have been so different for the Premier League had other clubs acted sooner.
Chelsea gem rips apart the 10 men of Barcelona
After Ronald Araujo was sent off, the Blues ran riot at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, 25 November, but even before the red card, the young star was causing plenty of issues on the right flank.
He has become just the third teenager after Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to score in each of his first three Champions League starts, consolidating just how much of a good move Chelsea have made.
Not only did Estevao score an incredible goal, but he also created three chances, attempted five dribbles, made recoveries, and entered into 11 ground duels, clearly not afraid of a tackle [FotMob].
Both Man United and Arsenal had the chance to secure Estevao’s signature, but the Premier League clubs must now watch on as he goes from strength to strength with their rivals.