Chelsea youngster Estevao is already thinking about his future at Stamford Bridge under new manager Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian talent, who arrived in west London with huge expectations, is understood to be worried that his first-team chances will be extremely limited this season and could seek a January move if his situation does not improve dramatically.

Estevao struggles for minutes under Alonso

Estevao is becoming increasingly 'concerned' about his place at Chelsea after Alonso's arrival, according to ESPN Brasil. The 19-year-old forward missed the closing stages of last season, including the World Cup, because of a serious hamstring injury. Since returning to full fitness, he has found it difficult to get Premier League game time under the Spanish coach.

The Brazilian was limited to a short seven-minute appearance in Chelsea's opening league match against Fulham. He then stayed on the bench throughout their dramatic 4-3 win over Brighton, with his only start so far coming in a much-rotated Carabao Cup line-up against Luton.

With the Blues not involved in any European competition this season, their shorter schedule means there is likely to be very little rotation overall. Estevao fears he could be pushed to the margins in an intensely competitive attacking unit, with Chelsea expected to play fewer than 50 matches this term.

Positional clashes and physical concerns

The report states that Estevao has spoken to people close to him about how he fits tactically into Alonso's system. The former Palmeiras prodigy prefers to play in central areas in the final third. However, those attacking central positions are currently controlled by Cole Palmer and Chelsea record signing Morgan Rogers.

Another possible route into the starting XI would be from the right wing, where Pedro Neto is currently playing. However, Estevao is reportedly very reluctant to shift into that particular wide role in Alonso's present tactical structure.

The teenager feels that adapting to the manager's demands on the wing would require him to add significant bulk. He is concerned that putting on too much muscle would reduce his natural agility and have a negative effect on his explosive style of play.

Fierce attacking competition at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have one of the strongest forward lines in the English top flight. Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro are all widely expected to hold on to starting places for a large part of the season.

Despite missing out on midfield target Lamine Camara before Tuesday's transfer deadline, the west London club are still packed with top-class talent. That competition leaves Estevao, who joined in a €61.5 million (£52m) deal and has scored eight goals in 38 appearances for the club, facing a difficult fight for regular minutes.

At the same time, other clubs are watching the situation carefully as top-flight sides look for wide forwards. According to The Guardian, Liverpool have recently been linked with interest in the Brazilian winger, indicating that a strong market already exists if he decides to leave.

Crucial Arsenal clash and January decisions

Although Estevao remains happy in London and would ideally like to make it at Chelsea, a continued lack of first-team football before the New Year could force him to act. If his fringe role continues, a move in the January transfer window is a very realistic option.

For the moment, Alonso's squad must focus on a huge Premier League meeting on Sunday. Chelsea make the short trip to the Emirates Stadium to take on reigning champions Arsenal, with Estevao desperately hoping to get on the pitch and show his quality on a major stage.