Chelsea’s Estevao could seek January move if game time remains limited under Xabi Alonso

Estevao is considering his Chelsea future and could look for a move in the January transfer window if he does not receive more playing time under manager Xabi Alonso, according to ESPN.

The 19-year-old Brazil international is reported to be seriously concerned about his prospects at Stamford Bridge after making only a brief appearance in Chelsea’s opening Premier League match against Fulham.

He was not used in the following league fixture against Brighton, while his appearance against Luton in the League Cup came in a match where managers commonly rotate their sides against teams from lower divisions.

Estevao is facing significant competition for a place in several attacking roles. He could be required to compete for the central striker position, a deeper attacking role or one of the wide berths, with Chelsea’s squad strengthened by a substantial number of summer arrivals.

ESPN reports that Estevao has told people close to him he will attempt to leave during the next winter transfer window if he does not receive sufficient playing time before then.

The issue comes during a largely successful start to Alonso’s Chelsea tenure. The former Real Madrid manager has overseen victories in the club’s first two Premier League matches, while Chelsea also progressed past Luton in the League Cup.

Chelsea have spent more than 400m euros during the summer transfer window, according to the report. That total includes 138m euros on Morgan Rogers, 60m euros on Maxence Lacroix and 57m euros on Marc Balestra.

Foot Mercato reported that the arrival of a new manager, the beginning of a new era and the volume of Chelsea’s recruitment would inevitably mean some existing players losing their places in the starting line-up.

Estevao’s limited involvement has therefore prompted questions about how central he will be to Alonso’s plans. His only Premier League action so far came for a few minutes against Fulham, before he remained an unused substitute against Brighton.

Although he played in the League Cup victory over Luton, that appearance has not eased concerns about his regular involvement because managers frequently make changes for such fixtures.

The young Brazilian now faces a battle for minutes across Chelsea’s attacking options. If his situation does not improve, ESPN says he is prepared to explore a departure when the transfer market reopens in the winter.

The reports do not state that Estevao has formally requested a transfer, but they indicate that he has begun to consider his options while assessing his role under Alonso.