Chelsea are set to miss out on their long term target Gabriel Mec as Shakhtar Donetsk are reportedly in advanced talks to sign the attacking midfielder from Gremio.
Softfootball understood that the 17-year-old Brazilian sensation was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge last summer and he was on the verge of becoming yet another wonderkid to join the Blues.
However, a deal failed to materialise, despite reports in Brazil suggesting that a deal was likely to take place before the end of 2024 summer transfer window.
Chelsea were tipped to re-enter the race for Mec’s signature this year, but they eventually opted against pursuing the teenager and instead focused on signings the likes of Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap, and Mec is now on the verge of becoming the latest Brazilian to join Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his X handle, Shakhtar Donetsk are in advanced negotiations to sign Gabriel Mec. The proposal is worth €15 million for a deal running until 2026, with the Brazilian talent having previously come close to a move to Chelsea in 2025. He tweeted:
Shakhtar Donetsk are in advanced talks to sign Gabriel Mec from Gremio.
Proposal worth €15m to get Mec from 2026, as @felipee_sil has reported.
Brazilian talent was very close to joining Chelsea in 2025.
Mec is a versatile advanced eight or number 10, excellent with both feet, and he is viewed as mature for his age. As at the time of filing this report, it is not guaranteed that Shakhtar Donetsk will land the signing of Mec as other European clubs are also in the race, while there are concerns over his steep price.
In an earlier post, Softfootball reported that Dinamo Zagreb have completed the signing of Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer from AC Milan on a loan deal with an option to buy, with part of his salary included in the agreement.
