The start of the year has brought with it the beginning of another new era for Chelsea Football Club.
The Blues announced the departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day, and then just a few days later, announced Liam Rosenior as his permanent replacement.
The former Strasbourg boss has quite the challenge on his hands, with qualification for next season's Champions League surely the objective.
Liam Rosenior with Strasbourg
Fortunately, the transfer window is now open, and if reports are to be believed, Chelsea are planning to bring in some top-quality players to help their new manager, including one who'd be a monster upgrade on Pedro Neto.
Chelsea target Neto upgrade
While he's certainly not a known quantity among Premier League fans, Chelsea supporters have reason to be excited about Rosenior's appointment.
The 41-year-old might not be the most experienced of managers, but his record in France was impressive: in 63 games, he oversaw 32 wins, 14 draws and just 17 losses.
Moreover, he has proven himself capable of working with young players, with Strasbourg being the first team in Europe's top five leagues to field a lineup of players born in the 21st century earlier this season.
However, to help the Blues push on, he's going to need some more ready-made stars in the squad, which is what the club seem intent on providing him.
At least, that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Chelsea are interested in a 'big name' in the form of Rafaël Leão.
In fact, the report has revealed that the club intend to spend €150m on the AC Milan star and Barcelona's Fermin Lopez.
The report states that the West Londoners are planning to spend €75m of that money on the Spaniard, leaving as much to be spent on the Portuguese star, which converts to about £65m.
rafael-leao-ac-milan-serie-a
It could be a complicated deal to get over the line, but given Leão's immense ability, it's one Chelsea should fight tooth and nail for, especially as he'd be a dream upgrade on Neto.
How Leão compares to Neto
Now, throughout his career, Neto has spent more time on the right, but not by much.
Pedro Neto
For example, in his club career, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers star has made 78 appearances on the right, 69 on the left, and 25 up top.
Moreover, with Estevao being the sensational talent he is and Cole Palmer probably being more effective on the right, the Portuguese international is going to be more of a left-sided player for Chelsea, as he was in the game against Manchester City.
Neto's positional versatility
Position
Right Winger
Left Winger
Centre-Forward
Second Striker
Attacking Midfield
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Unfortunately, this would then put him in direct competition for gametime with Leão if BlueCo get their man, which is a competition he's not going to win for several reasons.
First of all, he's not as reliable a source of output.
Pedro Neto stats comparison
For example, since the start of last season, he has scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists in 78 appearances, totalling 5298 minutes.
That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.88 games, or every 196.22 minutes.
rafael-leao-ac-milan
In contrast, the Milan star has scored 19 goals and provided 14 assists in 63 appearances, totalling 4335 minutes.
That comes out to a far more impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.90 games, or every 131.36 minutes, which lends credence to analyst Ben Mattinson's claim that he's "one of the best LW's in the world."
Unsurprisingly, the former LOSC Lille star also comes out looking better when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.
For example, the 26-year-old does better in most relevant metrics, including non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, carries into the penalty area, passing accuracy, and more, all per 90.
Leão vs Neto
Statistics per 90
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
Shots
Shots on Target
Passing Accuracy
Shot-Creating Actions
Goal-Creating Actions
Carries into the Penalty Area
Aerial Duels Won
Interceptions
Clearances
Progressive Passes
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season
Ultimately, while it might not be the easiest of transfers to pull off, Chelsea should do all they can to sign Leão, as he'd be a massive boost to the team and a clear upgrade on Neto.
Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo Related
Chelsea have already signed Rosenior his very own Semenyo
The sensational talent could be a game-changer for Rosenior at Chelsea.