Man City Target Pedro Neto in £70m Chelsea Move

Man City manager Enzo Maresca eyes Chelsea’s Pedro Neto for £70m as a key target to enhance the squad ahead of the new season.

Manchester City are reportedly preparing a sensational move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as Enzo Maresca looks to reunite with his former star. The Italian tactician, who recently traded Stamford Bridge for the Etihad, has identified the Portuguese international as a primary target to bolster his attacking options in Manchester.

Maresca is wasting no time in shaping his Man City squad, and it appears the Italian manager has set his sights on a reunion with Neto. Having left Chelsea earlier this year, Maresca is keen to bring the 26-year-old winger to the Etihad Stadium, according to reports.

The move comes after a whirlwind time for Maresca, who was appointed as Pep Guardiola’s successor on June 29, signing a three-year contract. City paid roughly £17 million in compensation to secure his services from the Blues.

However, City are not the only club interested in Neto’s signature. Serie A giants AC Milan have also identified him as a top priority, seeing the Portuguese attacker as the ideal replacement for Rafael Leao, whose future in Italy remains uncertain. The financial muscle of the English giants could easily overwhelm Milan’s efforts.

Despite the intense speculation, Chelsea are not under immediate pressure to part ways with the attacker. The west London club considers Neto a vital component of their long-term project and has set a £70m price tag, informing suitors that he will not leave Stamford Bridge on the cheap this summer.

While publicly holding firm, Chelsea’s financial situation might lead to different outcomes. The club needs to strike a balance to comply with financial regulations after spending heavily to acquire Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for £117 million.

Neto himself is reportedly aware of the approaches from both Manchester and Milan, keeping his options open. His agent, Jorge Mendes, has explored interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, but the player is inclined to stay in Europe at the peak of his career.

The interest in Neto may just be the beginning for Maresca’s recruitment efforts. Reports suggest that City are also monitoring Enzo Fernandez and Malo Gusto. Fernandez is a candidate to step in should Rodri decide to join Real Madrid, with Chelsea demanding £120 million for the Argentine midfielder.

For now, the focus remains on Neto, who is currently recovering following his World Cup exploits with Portugal. Maresca sees the winger as an ideal fit, and club chiefs are actively exploring the feasibility of a deal. If City can successfully negotiate with Chelsea, they will secure one of the most explosive wide players in the Premier League.