Blues braced for battle over winger

Manchester City have been linked to making a move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, with new head coach Enzo Maresca considering a reunion at the Etihad Stadium this summer. The 26-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge from Wolverhampton in August 2024 on a seven-year contract for an overall reported fee of £54 million.

During Maresca's tenure at Chelsea, Neto became one of the regulars in Maresca's squad, establishing himself as first-choice right winger, making 77 appearances while registering 15 goals and 12 assists.

Chelsea will not allow Neto to leave for cheap, especially amid the skyrocketing valuations of other wingers in the ongoing transfer window, as per a recent report.

Market forces at play

A recent report by the Daily Mail has suggested that Chelsea are not surprised by the transfer interest in Neto and plan on evaluating the player in accordance with the asking prices set for other in-demand wingers this summer. Chelsea are monitoring the fees for the possible transfers of Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola and RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, who have each been valued at over £100 million by their respective clubs.

Chelsea recently announced the signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a British record fee of £117 million.

The report further stated that the London side believe the growing interest in Neto comes amid a lack of top wingers in the current market.

Standing firm

Chelsea are not actively looking to sell Neto. While the official valuation is yet to be known, Chelsea are expected to demand over £75 million to part ways with Neto.

Liverpool, along with clubs in Saudi Arabia, have also been credited with an interest in Neto ahead of the upcoming campaign. Following the departure of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool are on the lookout for wide attackers to further strengthen their squad under new manager Andoni Iraola.

Neto is likely to consider a reunion with Maresca at the Etihad Stadium over a move to Anfield.

World Cup break

The winger is currently not included in Chelsea's tour, which has started in Sydney, Australia, as he is on holiday after featuring at the 2026 World Cup for Portugal.