Simon Escobar: Meet the teenage Chelsea target already training with Lionel Messi

Chelsea are well-known for signing some of the best youth in world football, but their development of those players is another story.

With Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck signed in recent weeks, Xabi Alonso has taken a very different view to this summer's transfer window.

Experience has clearly been a desperation for the new manager, with the Blues often fielding an extremely young lineup during the 2025-26 campaign.

That has not stopped Chelsea from signing Marco Palestra, 21, Geovany Quenda, 19, and Valentin Barco, 22, and a new left-back could be next.

According to Sport Witness (10 August), the West London outfit have joined the race for Velez Sarsfield's Simon Escobar, who is making waves in Argentina.

It is understood that Alonso's side are set to battle Brighton for the 17-year-old left-back, who has just four first-team appearances for Velez so far.

Simon Escobar already has a bright future

Just one of these have come as a start in Liga Profesional in 2026, playing the full 90 minutes against Newell's Old Boys back in May.

Chelsea have been impressed, nonetheless, and he would appear to be catching the attention of more than just a Premier League giant.

Escobar was given the chance to train with none other than Lionel Messi during the summer, being called up to the Argentina national team.

While the six-foot-one-inch teenager missed out on the 2026 World Cup, he was able to share the training pitch with the world's biggest star as Argentina prepared for the tournament.

The 17-year-old was even included on the bench against Honduras, sitting on the same bench as Messi for the entire 90 minutes as Lionel Scaloni's side won 2-0.

What else should Chelsea fans know?

It is fair to say that Escobar has been fast-tracked to the senior Argentina squad, but it is no surprise that Scaloni has noticed his already.

The teenage gem has already won nine caps for Argentina's Under-17s, even grabbing two assists, and is pushing for more senior minutes at club level.

Given his ability to also play left-wing, Escobar's adaptability down the left flank makes him a very interesting prospect, and one that Chelsea want at Stamford Bridge.

He only turned 17 last month, so with the world at his feet, the Blues are hoping to win the race for his signature and profit greatly in the future from his success.