Former Chelsea and Scotland winger Pat Nevin has made a sensational claim that Estevao's long term future isn't with the Blues, and, even more remarkably, believes a Premier League rival could be the perfect destination for the young Brazilian.
Estevao has so far failed to be a mainstay in Xabi Alonso's team. Despite impressing under Liam Rosenior last season, the youngster has featured for just 23 minutes in the Premier League this time out, and is unlikely to start against Bournemouth on Saturday.
And despite Estevao only breaking through at the club last season, Nevin thinks the writing is already on the wall.
Pat Nevin fears Estevao has no place at Chelsea
Discussing the 19-year-old's situation, the 63-year-old believes the South American won't get anywhere near the kind of game time he needs to continue his impressive development.
“I’m going to repeat this again, I love Estevao to bits. I think he’s absolutely fantastic," he told Casino Hawks, via TEAMtalk.
“He’s going to be a great, great player, but not at Chelsea. I’ve just never seen it as a good fit. He’s not the right type for the club Chelsea are. There’s no security for any player in that position.
“They can’t give him time. They’re not a club that can slowly but surely build a player and bring him in. You’re in, you’ve had a bad time, bang, out you go. Next guy gets a chance and you’re out, you’re banished for a while.
“So I’ve always felt that, you know, it’s a stepping stone to where he will finish and suddenly flourish as a fabulous, fabulous player.
“I’ve just always felt that it should be Spain. Spain’s right for him. Maybe France. You could see him at PSG, possibly even Germany. There are places that would suit better than the Premier League and certainly better than Chelsea.
“Would you go to another Premier League club? There’s very few that would suit. I really do think so."
Last season saw Estevao score eight goals, including three in the UEFA Champions League and register four assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.
Everton could be the perfect club for Estevao
Going on to explain why Everton could be the right club for Estevao, Nevin added: “I actually can think of one, though. I can think of one, but they can’t afford him.
“Everton cannot afford him I guess. Now, I’m biased here as well, because I’m very keen on Everton. But have a look at Everton, Ndiaye has gone.
“There’s a big Ndiaye-shaped gap there sitting that Everton need to fill. I would love that to be filled by Estevao.
“Now, they’ve done okay, Everton, looking at the type of players that they’ve brought in, Jack Grealish, not the first time they’ve also gone to Chelsea as well, as we know with Tyrique George.
“But I think if he was going anywhere, oddly enough, the current Everton would suit. He would get more game time, expectations would be tapered a wee bit.
“Should he probably leave Chelsea in January? Yes. He needs game time and he’s not.”
What do you think? Can you imagine Estevao taking Ndiaye's place at the Hill Dickinson Stadium?
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