Manchester City have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as the Premier League champions continue reshaping their squad under new manager Enzo Maresca ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The Portugal international has emerged as one of City’s priority attacking targets, with Maresca eager to reunite with a player he knows well from their time together at Stamford Bridge. The Italian coach, who recently completed a high profile switch from Chelsea to replace Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, is determined to strengthen his forward line with proven Premier League quality.
According to reports in England, City have already begun assessing the financial details of a potential transfer, although negotiations are expected to be challenging because Chelsea have little desire to lose one of their most dangerous attacking players.
Maresca officially took charge of Manchester City in late June after the club reached an agreement with Chelsea over compensation for the Italian coach. Since his appointment, he has wasted no time identifying players capable of fitting into his tactical philosophy, and Neto has quickly become one of the leading names on his recruitment list.
The Portuguese winger has earned widespread praise for his pace, creativity and ability to operate across multiple attacking positions. His direct style of play, combined with his technical quality, makes him an attractive option for City’s fluid attacking system.
Chelsea, however, remain determined to keep hold of the 26 year old. Club executives reportedly consider Neto an important figure in their long term plans and have placed a valuation of around £70 million on the winger. The hefty asking price is seen as a clear message to potential buyers that the Blues will not sanction an easy sale during the current transfer window.
Despite Chelsea’s firm public stance, financial considerations could still influence their decision before the window closes. The London club has invested heavily in strengthening its squad this summer, including the reported acquisition of England international Morgan Rogers in a blockbuster deal worth approximately £117 million.
With spending reaching significant levels, Chelsea may eventually need to generate income through player sales in order to remain compliant with financial sustainability regulations. That reality has fueled speculation that even important first team players could become available if the right offer arrives.
Neto is understood to be monitoring developments closely while remaining focused on his preparations for the new campaign. The winger is attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, reflecting his growing reputation following another impressive season at club level and his recent involvement with Portugal at the FIFA World Cup.
Manchester City are not alone in the race for his signature. Italian giants AC Milan are also believed to admire the Portuguese star and view him as a potential successor should Rafael Leao leave the San Siro this summer. However, City’s financial strength and their ability to compete for major trophies every season could give the Premier League side a significant advantage.
Reports have also linked Neto’s representatives with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, although the player is believed to prefer remaining in European football during what many consider the peak years of his career.
For Manchester City, the pursuit of Neto reflects a broader recruitment strategy under Maresca. The club is believed to be targeting players who are already familiar with the intensity and tactical demands of the Premier League while possessing the versatility required to thrive in City’s possession based system.
The interest in Neto may not be the only piece of transfer business involving Chelsea. Reports suggest City are also monitoring Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez and full back Malo Gusto as potential additions before the transfer deadline.
Fernandez has reportedly been identified as a long term option should Spanish giants Real Madrid succeed in luring Ballon d’Or winner Rodri away from Manchester. Chelsea are said to value the World Cup winning midfielder at around £120 million, making any potential deal one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
For now, however, City’s primary attention remains fixed on Neto. Club officials are expected to continue evaluating whether Chelsea’s asking price can be negotiated or whether alternative structures, including performance related add ons, could help facilitate an agreement.
The coming weeks are expected to determine whether Manchester City can convince Chelsea to part with one of their most explosive attacking talents. If a deal is completed, it would represent one of the headline transfers of the summer and provide Maresca with a familiar player capable of making an immediate impact as he begins a new era at the Etihad Stadium.
With competition from Europe and Chelsea’s firm negotiating position, City face a difficult challenge, but the Premier League champions appear determined to test the Blues’ resolve in their quest to secure Pedro Neto before the transfer window closes.
