Chelsea in advanced talks to sign PL star previously linked with Arsenal - Fabrizio Romano
According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, as relayed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers star Pedro Neto this summer. Neto has previously been linked with moves to clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur as well.
It was reported that Mikel Arteta was keen on signing Neto as a back-up for Bukayo Saka, who has been a mainstay in the first team in recent years. Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou was also said to be interested in the Portuguese winger.
But the Blues have now thrown their hat in the transfer race and the club are reportedly in negotiations with Neto and Wolves. Romano wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
"Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Pedro Neto, as @FabriceHawkins reports. Negotiations are taking place with Portuguese winger and Wolves. He's one of the main targets for winger position."
Arsenal and Tottenham's interests were previously reported and now the transfer situation is set to get more complicated. Neto, during his Wolves spell, has shown that he can be a fantastic creative player from the wings.
The 24-year-old Portuguese played only 24 games last season, scoring thrice and setting up 11 goals. He has so far scored 14 goals and provided 24 assists in 135 appearances for Wolves.
Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, has Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, and more in his ranks at Stamford Bridge. Mudryk has failed to fulfill his promising potential while Madueke is still unreliable. Hence, adding Neto, a Portugal international, could prove to be a smart move.
Neto is contracted with Wolves until the end of the 2026-27 season. He has an estimated market value of €55 million, as per Transfermarkt.
Arsenal still interested in Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk: Reports
Arsenal were involved in a transfer tug-of-war with Chelsea before Mykhailo Mudryk's January 2023 move to Stamford Bridge. The Ukrainian proved himself as one of the most exciting wingers in world football during his Shakhtar Donetsk spell.
The 23-year-old has so far scored seven goals and has provided four assists in 58 appearances for the club, in what has been a very inconsistent career. However, journalist Simon Phillips said on his Substack that Arsenal still hold an interest in the player.
Chelsea, though, still have belief in the player and any offer won't be entertained just yet. Mudryk was signed for £89 million by the Blues and has since come under scrutiny for his underwhelming form. While he has shown flashes of brilliance at the international level, that hasn't transpired in his club performances.