The race for Brazilian teenage sensation Eduardo Pape is heating up, with Manchester City and Chelsea leading the charge for the Cruzeiro starlet. Reports from Brazil confirm that both City Football Group (CFG) and Chelsea have already made initial enquiries for the 17-year-old midfielder, who has set the South American U17 Championship alight with his performances.

Pape was one of the tournament's standout players, scoring four goals in just five matches as Brazil secured a third-place finish in Paraguay. That kind of form was always going to attract attention, and it has—scouts from Chelsea, Bournemouth, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Monaco, and Villarreal were all watching closely from the stands.

But it's the Premier League giants who have moved first. Both Manchester City and Chelsea are reported to have made direct contact, with Cruzeiro bracing for offers. The Brazilian club is targeting a fee between €30-40 million for the teenager—a significant sum for a player who is still competing at youth level.

A club official who attended the tournament in Paraguay confirmed the buzz around Pape. "I was in Paraguay following the U17 South American Championship. I spoke with the clubs, all showed interest and said they would assess his projection. I am expecting something, at least," the official told Brazilian outlet UOL.

Cruzeiro are working hard to maximize their return. The club is currently looking to increase their share of Pape's rights from 50 to 75 percent, a move that would strengthen their negotiating position. They've already secured the youngster on a long-term contract that runs until January 2029, signaling their intent to hold onto their prized asset—or at least drive up the price.

Standing at 186 cm, Pape offers a rare blend of physical presence and technical quality for a player his age. Comfortable operating as either a deeper number six or a more advanced number eight, he has the versatility that modern top clubs crave. For a midfielder still finding his way, that kind of adaptability could make him a long-term fixture in any European setup.

With the transfer window approaching, all eyes will be on Cruzeiro to see if they can hold firm—or if one of Europe's biggest clubs will meet their asking price.