Manchester City have held talks with Chelsea winger Pedro Neto about a deal to reunite him with Enzo Maresca, but a deal is difficult to complete at this stage, according to Fabrizio Romano.
"Manchester City have an interest in Pedro Neto," he said. Manchester City spoke with the agents of Pedro Neto more than once, so there has been a conversation. "Pedro Neto is on Man City list to replace Savino, who is a target for Tottenham. But at the moment, the gap in valuation is a big gap for Pedro Neto. I would say it's a similar situation [to Enzo Fernandez] because Chelsea are also happy with Pedro Neto. "Chelsea are not desperate to sell Pedro, and so at the moment there are difficulties to advance on this deal because of the gap and because of what happened with the Maresca appointment."
Maresca and Neto worked effectively together during their time together at Stamford Bridge and Pep Guardiola’s successor is keen to be reunited with the former Wolves star at the Etihad Stadium. However, Currently, however, there is understood to be a ‘huge gap’ between what City are willing to pay and Chelsea’s valuation and it remains to be seen whether or not a compromise can be reached. It is a similar scenario regarding the future of Enzo Fernandez, who has also been linked with a move to City, but Chelsea are refusing to budge from their £120m valuation and would prefer to keep their club captain.
There are at least four Premier League clubs with a keen interest in Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, who could still depart Stamford Bridge before the end of the summer transfer window. As for Neto, City baulking at the asking price could present an opportunity for Arsenal who are in the market for a left winger and were interested in Neto when was on the verge of leaving Wolves. The Gunners have already signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge this summer and although he has made an encouraging start to like with the Premier League champions with several eye-catching displays in pre-season, Mikel Arteta is keen to further bolster his attack.
Neto, who joined Chelsea in 2024 for £51.4million from Wolves, remains a valued member of Xabi Alonso's squad but is available for the right price. Chelsea are not actively looking to sell Neto but he is not one of the 'untouchables' at the Bridge.