Estevao has reportedly grown increasingly frustrated with his limited playing time at Chelsea, with Barcelona closely monitoring the situation, according to reports from Spain. The 19-year-old Brazilian joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in the summer of 2025 and had an impressive debut season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists before a serious hamstring injury ended his campaign in April. The injury also prevented him from earning a place in Brazil's squad for this year's World Cup, adding to his difficulties in regaining a starting role at Chelsea since new manager Xabi Alonso took charge. Estevao has struggled to break into the first team under Alonso, with all four of his Premier League appearances this season coming from the substitutes' bench. He is expected to push for a spot in the starting lineup when Chelsea resumes league action against Bournemouth after the international break. However, the situation has reportedly caused "frustration" for Estevao, with some reports suggesting he has even felt "anger" over being overlooked. Estevao is said to be doubtful about receiving the playing time he wants this season and has reportedly refused to build muscle mass as much as Chelsea would like, fearing it might affect his natural playing style. Despite these concerns, Estevao has not yet considered leaving Chelsea, even as Barcelona—the reigning La Liga champions—continue to show strong interest in signing him. Barcelona has been tracking Estevao since his days at Palmeiras, when their scouts received positive reports from South America. The club's sporting director, Deco, is said to be regularly updated on Estevao's situation at Chelsea, with the teenager remaining a "favourite" at Barca. Estevao still has six-and-a-half years left on his current contract with Chelsea, making a potential transfer complicated. Ahead of Brazil's match against Australia, Estevao addressed his limited playing time at Chelsea, stating he focused on aspects within his control. "Every coach has their own way of playing, and of course, I work hard every day and give my best," he said. "We have many high-quality players at Chelsea. I focus on what I can control. When I have a chance, I try to give my best. I think I've made the most of all the opportunities I've had. I try to control what's within my power and leave tomorrow in God's hands. I also have a lot of faith in myself." Brazil's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, emphasized Estevao's importance to the national team despite his limited club action. "Estevao is a very important player for the national team," Ancelotti said. "Sometimes the club’s interests are not the same as the national team’s interests. For us, Estevao, along with other young players, is very, very important, and if he doesn’t play, I’m going to call him up, because we think he’s very important for the future, and we’re going to give him the opportunity to improve his development."