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Inter Milan player says Chelsea have a youngster with more potential than PSG’s Désiré Doué

Originally posted on HITC | By Jack Drury | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 10:37 AM ET

Chelsea are banking their future on the potential of the young players they’re bringing in, with ownership sticking firmly to that plan.

At the end of this season, both Geovany Quenda and Mike Penders will join the first team following their high-profile arrivals at the club.

Mike Penders has been handed a big opportunity at Chelsea now that the club’s interest in Mike Maignan has cooled. The French goalkeeper has since signed a new contract with AC Milan.

Behdad Eghbali and his team will be hoping any new additions to the squad can match Estevao Willian’s early impact at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian winger has quickly become one of Chelsea’s most exciting prospects, already making his debut for Brazil’s senior national team just three months into his time with Chelsea.

Valentin Carboni backs Estevao Willian over Desire Doue

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Joe Cole has mentioned that Estevao is the first player he checks for on the Chelsea teamsheet, and fans are often frustrated when he’s left out of the lineup.

There’s no question he’s among the most promising young talents in football, and even other players seem to hold him in high regard.

In a comparison between young players, Inter Milan midfielder Valentin Carboni, currently on loan at Racing Club, told Ezzequielok on TikTok that he would choose Estevao over Champions League winger Desire Doue.

While Doue has more experience in European football, Chelsea see Estevao as a player with a higher ceiling, which is why they’re building their future around him.