Manchester City are back on the market after bringing in Elliott Anderson for what was once a British record transfer fee, and could give Enzo Maresca quite the reunion.
The Citizens have already been rumored to be interested in Maro Gusto, but now they have their sights set on Pedro Neto. Chelsea’s winger could be on the move this summer, especially considering Xabi Alonso is not a natural winger.
If so, the Etihad side could swoop in and land a rival star and the second appointment of Maresca’s first term.
Premier League Statistics 25/26 | Pedro Neto | Savigno |
|---|---|---|
minutes | 2,643 | 821 |
the goal | 5 | 1 |
assist | 6 | 1 |
Number of take-ons per 90 | 1.6 | 1.86 |
Number of touches in the opponent’s box (per 90) | 3.64 | 8.66 |
If Man City have a one-in, one-out policy up front, Neto could arrive in place of Sabinho. The Brazilian has attracted the attention of Tottenham Hotspur and after playing 821 minutes in the Premier League last season, he definitely needs a move.
Looking at the numbers, Neto is an interesting player. Sabinho enjoyed a lot of touches inside the area, but the Chelsea man is almost a throwback winger. He sticks to the byline and drives towards the man, trying to cross. That’s part of the reason why he had more assists than Sabinho last season.
If Maresca is looking for a winger to make that happen, a reunion with the Portugal international would be wise. As for Sabinho, such a tactic would surely end his Man City career.
Manchester City give the green light to sign Pedro Neto
Caught Offside reports that Man City have given the green light to sign Neto, with Chelsea’s board unanimously deciding that he is no longer considered ‘untouchable’.
Maresca will push for a reunion with the winger, but a deal will not come cheap. Other reports suggest that Chelsea are using Yann Diomande’s £100m-plus valuation to set their own hefty price tag for Neto, with Neto likely to be charged a similar amount as a result.
“Pedro Neto is not completely untouchable for Chelsea. I must say there have been private discussions internally, but everyone agrees that he should be let go if City or someone else makes a suitable offer.” – Caught offside
In addition to Neto, it is becoming clear that Man City are looking to sign a winger by the end of the summer, amid links with Diomande.
Manchester City hold talks to sign Manu Corn
However, Man City are likely to prioritize signing a midfielder before signing a winger amid concerns that Rodri could still leave for Real Madrid. Replacing the Spaniard will be an impossible task, but that hasn’t stopped the Citizens from trying, and they are now eyeing AS Roma’s Manu Kone.
The Manchester club are already in contract negotiations with the Frenchman, who is keen to move to the Premier League. However, it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to beat Manchester United into winning the race for his signature.
