Maresca Wants Former Player Neto at City

Another major Manchester City move targeting Chelsea has emerged this summer. According to The Sun, City are preparing a £70 million offer for Portuguese winger Pedro Neto. The report states the push for the transfer came directly from head coach Enzo Maresca, who worked with Neto at Chelsea and sees him as an ideal fit for his attacking system.

Per The Sun, Maresca has asked Manchester City's hierarchy to explore signing the Portugal international, drawing on his firsthand knowledge of the player's abilities. The Italian coach reportedly believes Neto's pace, creativity and technical quality make him a perfect match for his tactical plans heading into the new season. Despite the interest, Chelsea are not prepared to let Neto leave easily, having set an asking price of around £70 million for the 26-year-old and maintaining he remains an important part of their long-term project.

It's also reported that super-agent Jorge Mendes offered Neto to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, though the club is not currently prioritising a wing reinforcement. The player himself is understood to prefer staying in one of Europe's top leagues at this stage of his career. Aware of interest from both Manchester City and AC Milan, Neto would reportedly be open to either project, though he is expected to wait until the final weeks of the window before deciding on his future. Neto joined Chelsea from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £54 million in the summer of 2024 and has made 103 appearances at Stamford Bridge to date.

Source: The Sun
Image: Be Soccer