Barcelona Monitor Chelsea Star Amid Growing Frustration Over Game Time

Chelsea winger Estevao is reportedly growing frustrated at his lack of game time under Xabi Alonso, and Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the situation.

The 19 year old Brazilian has played just 23 minutes across Chelsea's first five Premier League games, with his only starts of the season coming in the EFL Cup. After a first year spent adapting to English football, he had expected a bigger role this term, and is said to be feeling sidelined.

According to Sport, a "cold war" has developed between the player and his manager, fuelled by tactical differences. Estevao believes his natural next step is to move inside from the right wing, but that space is currently taken by Cole Palmer. He is also reluctant to keep adding muscle, a process he started in his first season in England, fearing it could cost him the agility and pace that make him dangerous. Even so, he is not pushing for a move away from Stamford Bridge, and his representatives are not looking for an exit.

Speaking while on international duty with Brazil in Australia, Estevao played down any talk of a rift and avoided a public row.

"Every manager has their way of playing and, of course, I work every day and give my best," he told reporters. "We have a lot of players with immense quality at Chelsea. I focus on what I can control. When I have a chance, I try to give my best."

Alonso has also backed the youngster publicly, saying there is a "100 per cent chance" he will get more opportunities because of his potential.

Barcelona remain interested. The club followed his progress closely during his Palmeiras days, but sporting director Deco chose to prioritise Lamine Yamal, which allowed Chelsea to sign Estevao in a €61.5 million deal. Deco still has first-hand knowledge of his fellow Brazilian's situation in London, and Barca officials are reportedly watching developments at Stamford Bridge to see how things unfold.