‘We are very happy with how he is doing things’

There was a fun bit at the end of Enzo Maresca’s press conference when a Brazilian journalist asked him about Estevao Willian.

The 17-year-old winger was signed for an initial £29million from Palmeiras early in the summer but remains in his home country ahead of a move to Stamford Bridge when he turns 18 in 2025.

When asked the left-field question about Estevao, who recently made his full international debut, Maresca said: “Yes, we are following him. He is doing fantastic but unfortunately, he is doing fantastic there and not with us. We are going to wait until next summer when he will arrive here but for sure we are very happy in the way he is doing these things.”

The Italian also joked when asked if he has spoken to the youngster, who has 15 goal involvements in his last 21 domestic games, adding: “No, no, no. I have so many players to speak (laughs). No, I didn’t speak with him.”

It was a light-hearted end after a big 1-0 win away at Bournemouth as Maresca’s survived heavy pressure, saw Jadon Sancho impress on his debut and fellow substitute Christopher Nkunku win the match from the bench.