Chelsea have reportedly placed a £100 million asking price on Pedro Neto as Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal intensify their pursuit of the Portugal international.
The latest development has dramatically changed the situation surrounding Neto, who has attracted interest from several major clubs this summer. Al Hilal have reportedly made significant progress in negotiations, with reports also claiming that the Saudi club have reached an agreement on personal terms with the 26 year old winger.
Manchester City and Arsenal have also been linked with the former Wolverhampton Wanderers star, while Tottenham have emerged among the clubs monitoring his situation. However, Chelsea’s huge valuation could make a Premier League transfer considerably more difficult.
Chelsea’s reported £100 million valuation represents a significant increase from earlier figures attached to Neto. Manchester City, in particular, are understood to have considered Chelsea’s previous valuation too high, while Al Hilal’s growing interest has now added another serious option to the transfer saga.
Neto joined Chelsea from Wolves in August 2024 in a deal worth around £54 million. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, the Portuguese winger has established himself as an important attacking option, although injuries and competition for places have affected his consistency.
His versatility is one of the qualities that has made him attractive to potential suitors. Neto can operate on either flank and is capable of playing in more advanced attacking positions. His acceleration, direct running and ability to create opportunities make him particularly dangerous when given space to attack defenders.
The winger’s Chelsea future has nevertheless become uncertain following the arrival of new manager Xabi Alonso and the club’s continued efforts to reshape their attacking options.
Neto has featured during Chelsea’s pre season preparations, including the club’s recent 3 1 victory over Real Sociedad, but speculation over his future has continued to dominate the transfer headlines.
Al Hilal’s interest could now provide the biggest threat to Chelsea’s plans for the player.
The Saudi club are preparing for another ambitious campaign and have identified Neto as a potential attacking addition. Their interest has become particularly significant because of expected changes to their forward line, with Brazilian winger Malcom reportedly on course to leave the club for Al Ahli.
Neto’s potential arrival would give Al Hilal another explosive wide attacker capable of creating chances and stretching opposition defences.
The Saudi Pro League side are also believed to have already made financial proposals to Neto’s representatives, while negotiations with Chelsea have continued. Recent reports suggest Al Hilal are currently the most likely destination if the winger does leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
For Chelsea, however, the £100 million price tag sends a clear message.
The London club are not prepared to allow one of their key attacking players to leave cheaply. Whether Al Hilal are willing to meet that valuation remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the developing transfer story.
Manchester City could also face a difficult battle if they decide to revive their interest. City manager Enzo Maresca already knows Neto from his time at Chelsea, while the Premier League champions are looking at attacking reinforcements following developments surrounding Savinho.
Arsenal are another club reportedly monitoring the situation, but Chelsea’s valuation could force any interested Premier League side to reconsider its approach.
For Neto, the decision could ultimately come down to football ambition, financial opportunity and his role at Chelsea.
A move to Al Hilal would represent a major change in the winger’s career and would take him away from the Premier League at the age of 26. Remaining at Chelsea, meanwhile, would give him another opportunity to establish himself under Alonso and compete for a regular starting position.
The situation is therefore far from settled.
What is clear is that Al Hilal have emerged as serious contenders, while Chelsea have placed a massive valuation on the Portuguese international.
If the Saudi club eventually meet the reported £100 million asking price, Neto would become one of the most expensive transfers involving a Premier League player this summer.
For now, Chelsea hold the cards.
