Manchester City have made direct contact with Pedro Neto’s representatives over a possible move from Chelsea.
Fabrizio Romano reports that talks have begun with the Portugal international’s camp, although any Pedro Neto-to-Man City deal will depend on the price Chelsea demands.
City have considered Neto for several weeks as they prepare for the possibility of Savinho joining Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazilian wants more regular football, with Spurs continuing to work on a deal.
Neto could therefore emerge as a replacement at the Etihad Stadium. Tottenham also have the Chelsea winger on their shortlist, although Romano describes him as a back-up option for the north London club.
Pedro Neto Man City talks begin
Romano reports that City have now made direct contact with Neto’s camp to discuss a possible move. However, Chelsea have yet to agree a fee with City and their valuation could ultimately decide whether negotiations progress.
The development follows an intriguing update earlier on Tuesday. ReadChelsea reported that Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana had travelled to Asia with Neto among three Chelsea players on the club’s radar.
At that stage, Viana’s presence near Chelsea’s pre-season base did not mean negotiations had begun. Romano’s fresh report now provides the first indication of direct discussions with Neto’s representatives.
Chelsea have not actively pushed the 26-year-old towards the exit this summer. Earlier reporting suggested the club would only seriously consider his departure if they received an offer which reflected his value.
City’s interest could test that position. Enzo Maresca knows Neto well from their time together at Stamford Bridge and used him regularly during his spell as Chelsea manager.
Savinho’s future remains important to what happens next. If Tottenham can agree a deal with City for the Brazilian, Neto could become an increasingly serious option for Maresca.
For Chelsea, the next question is straightforward: how much would it take for Xabi Alonso’s side to consider selling a proven attacker to a direct Premier League rival?
