Pedro Neto's future at Chelsea is set to come under the microscope once more, with the winger reportedly ready to revisit his options in January should his game time remain limited.
According to TEAMtalk, the 26-year-old will assess his situation again when the transfer window reopens if he doesn't feature prominently in the first half of the season. It's a familiar refrain for a player who has long been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
Both Manchester City and Liverpool have shown interest in Neto to a greater or lesser extent. Fabrizio Romano reports that Enzo Maresca's side made contact with the forward's agent, though no official bid was ever lodged. Chelsea, for their part, were demanding a hefty £100m for the Portuguese international—a figure that no team, not even the most ambitious, was willing to meet.
Neto didn't push to leave, and Chelsea never made him available for transfer, unlike others in Xabi Alonso's squad. Their valuation reflected a simple reality: they would only consider a sale if clubs were prepared to pay over the odds. That stance may soften if his situation doesn't improve.
One potential suitor has already dropped out of the race. Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal were reportedly chasing Neto last month, but they've just announced the arrival of Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal. With their transfer deadline set for October 12th, they could still table bids for the best part of a month, but they're not expected to maintain their interest in the player.
Neto started and scored during Chelsea's 4-3 win over Brighton last weekend, a reminder of the quality he possesses. Whether that translates into a more prominent role under Maresca remains to be seen. For City, watching from the wings, January could offer another chance to land a player who's been on their radar for some time.