Manchester City are reportedly plotting a move for Chelsea forward Pedro Neto. Enzo Maresca is keen on a reunion with the Portuguese winger this summer.
According to a report in The Sun, Chelsea are open to selling Neto this summer, and Manchester City see him as the ideal player to add to the squad. The winger is also open to a switch and is evaluating his options before joining pre-season training under new manager Xabi Alonso.
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The report claims that Chelsea have slapped a £70 million price tag on their winger, but are not in a hurry to sell him. They are open to keeping the Portugal star if Alonso sees him as a player he would like to keep in the squad for the upcoming season.
Maresca worked with Neto at Stamford Bridge and sees him as the player who can replace Savinho at the Etihad. The Brazilian star has been linked with a move away, with Tottenham said to be the only Premier League side interested.
However, Manchester City are not alone in the chase for Neto, as AC Milan are also on his radar. The Serie A side want him as the replacement for Rafael Leao, who is in talks with a move to Fenerbahce.
Saudi Pro League sides are also keeping tabs on Neto, with Al-Hilal said to be the side showing keen interest in his plans. The former Wolverhampton star is not open to a switch to Saudi Arabia, giving Manchester City and AC Milan a boost in the race.
Chelsea signed Neto for £54 million in 2024, and he has scored 19 times for them in 104 matches. He is no longer a top choice for left or right wing, with Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian, Morgan Rogers and Geovany Quenda above him in the pecking order.
Chelsea star Pedro Neto admitted surprise at Manchester City manager’s exit
Chelsea star Pedro Neto spoke about Enzo Maresca’s exit from the club, admitting that the decision came as a surprise. He added that the Italian helped improve his game and said:
“I’d be a little bit sad because it was the manager that helped me a lot in these years. He helped a lot, I learned a lot with him. On personal terms, he was unbelievable as well. The only thing I can say is, ‘Thank you,’ but it’s football and we have to go through it and go to the next game already thinking about us as a team and try to win it.”
Manchester City paid £17 million to hire Maresca in the summer, who has replaced Pep Guardiola.
Edited by Sripad