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Chelsea defeated Forest at the City Ground | AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea are yet to find the right balance in the forward line but interest in Pedro Neto could see Enzo Maresca strengthen his starting XI.
Liam Delap and Joao Pedro were signed alongside Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho, however, it is the ‘electric’ Pedro Neto who has been the most consistent performer and who has been pivotal in the Blues climbing the table and putting pressure on Arsenal at the top. The 25-year old has been attracting attention and it is no surprise to see his name linked with a possible move away from Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona interested in Pedro Neto
According to Fichajes, Barcelona are considering Neto as a target with sporting director Deco a big fan of the Portugal international: Deco has made it a priority to sign a player who can provide immediate solutions and move naturally into different attacking roles.
In this scenario, Pedro Neto fits perfectly due to his combination of speed, dribbling, and ability to link up in midfield. FC Barcelona has been exploring versatile players for months, and the Portuguese player stands out for his adaptability to different systems, which is key for a club that is constantly evolving its attacking structure.
The Catalans well-reported financial issues are a stumbling block towards any deal with an €80m (£70m) fee said to be Chelsea’s valuation of the winger. No player is irreplaceable, but if Barca are interested, there will need to be some creative accounting to get any deal over the line.
Another approach, if Deco picks up the phone to his old club, is that the Blues could ask for a player in exchange instead of money and there is one obvious player who could immediately elevate Chelsea’s starting XI. He might not fit the under-23 transfer policy that has been so prevalent, but having experience to is never a bad thing.
Currently playing second fiddle to Marcus Rashford, Deco might be willing to let Raphinha leave the Camp Nou to take Neto instead. The Brazil international would probably welcome the opportunity to play more regularly too.
What Raphinha has said on Barcelona future
"I don't mind," the Brazil international told Mundo Deportivo when asked about the possibility of Luis Díaz or Rashford being signed by Barcelona. After this season, I won't say I am a guaranteed starter or will never miss a game, but whoever comes in will have to work harder than me.
"For me, the important thing is that whoever is here or signs, works hard and helps the team. It's important to have a lot of top, committed players A lot of people wanted me gone," he said in an interview with Diario Sport. "Many fans, maybe even the board weren't happy with what I was doing.
"So it is already a victory just to be fighting for the Ballon d'Or and to be among the 10 favourites. It has never been an objective for me."
He might be a few years older than Neto, however, Chelsea might just be presented with the opportunity to strengthen their team without spending a penny. At 28, Raphinha is hitting his prime and has Premier League experience with Leeds. He also has 57 goals and 53 assists in 152 games for Barca.
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