Matheus Franca has scored nine times for Flamengo in his short career (Photo: Getty)
Crystal Palace have beaten Chelsea to the signing of Brazil wonderkid Matheus Franca in a deal worth an initial €20million (£17.1m).
A few weeks ago, it was reported that both London clubs were very interested in acquiring Franca who is keen to move to the Premier League.
The attacking midfielder has already scored nine goals in 54 appearances in his short career, winning the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil in 2022 with Flamengo.
Both Chelsea and Palace submitted proposals to Flamengo for the 19-year-old, with the latter winning the race for his signature.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Eagles will pay an initial €20m though there will be another €5m in ‘easy add-ons’.
Such is the teenager’s promise, Palace will have to pay another €5m should Franca win the Ballon d’Or in the future, and Flamengo will also receive 20% on any future sale above the initial €25m valuation.
This is a huge deal for Roy Hodgson’s side who have been linked with the player for many months and are desperate for attacking reinforcements following the departure of Wilfried Zaha to Galatasaray.
Jefferson Lerma is Crystal Palace’s only signing so far this summer (Photo: Getty)
Franca has arrived in the UK and is set to have his medical on Monday, and will become the South London side’s second signing of the summer following Jefferson Lerma who joined on a free from Bournemouth.
Chelsea were looking at Franca having recently signed several young stars from Brazil including Andrey Santos and Angelo.
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In total, the Blues have spent £96m on transfers this summer but Mauricio Pochettino is eyeing up a new midfielder or two having admitted his squad is light in that position.
Lesley Ugochukwu is set to arrive from Rennes but will be loaned out immediately, while links to Brighton star Moises Caicedo continue to persist.
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