Once again, Chelsea will be incredibly busy during the summer transfer window and not just in terms of incomings, but outgoings too. One player who could depart is Pedro Neto.
Many Chelsea players have thrived since Liam Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca. Joao Pedro has become a new player, Wesley Fofana is becoming consistent, Robert Sanchez is improving after his Arsenal howlers.
Cole Palmer has a whopping nine goals and assists in six appearances under Rosenior, and it should be 10, but for his miss against Leeds in injury time. But some players are struggling since the boss arrived.
Pedro Neto really needs to mix up his game 🤦♂️
What did you make of his performance against Pafos?
Pedro Neto's number of crosses vs Pafos
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Roy Keane has criticised Rosenior for his usage of Liam Delap. Jorrel Hato has failed to provide any decent competition for Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Garnacho’s struggles continue. Another is Pedro Neto.
Chelsea take Pedro Neto stance, but it’s the wrong one
There is no doubt that when all four of Chelsea’s senior wingers – Neto, Estevao, Garnacho and Jamie Gittens – are fit, Neto is the best by some distance. Estevao has the potential to reach Neto’s quality.
But this season, and certainly since Rosenior arrived, Neto has failed to produce his best form. Marc Cucurella says the confidence of some has improved since Rosenior joined, but for Neto, the opposite.
Rumours of £70m interest from Atletico Madrid has emerged in recent days. Initial reports said Chelsea would be open to his exit, but a report from TeamTalk now states that Chelsea have no desire to sell.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
But that would be a foolish stance to take. While Neto can be a top player, the early signs suggest that he might not be a Rosenior-type player. Estevao is only going to get better and Chelsea will add players.
Already, Geovany Quenda has been confirmed, and the Sporting star will link up with his new teammates in the summer. If his potential in Portugal is anything to go by, Quenda is going to be a future star.
While Gittens and Garnacho have struggled, they are both much younger than Neto. If anything above the £54m Chelsea paid for Neto arrives on the table, the Blues seriously have to consider selling him.
How long does Pedro Neto have left on his Chelsea deal?
While many will criticise Boehly’s long-term contracts, it does at least give Chelsea the option to make a decision when interest arrives for their players. They can choose to say the likes of Neto is not for sale.
Be honest: If Chelsea land Mateus Mane this month, does he go straight into the XI over Pedro Neto?👀
Pedro Neto and Mateus Mane
Photo by Brett Patzke – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Neto joined Chelsea in 2024 from Wolves and put pen to paper on a seven-year contract. That means he has five years left to run on the deal, and any offer put on the table will have to be Neto’s full value.
But with Quenda joining, Estevao improving and signings expected, Neto’s game time is only going to reduce if he cannot rediscover his best form. His value is going to depreciate in the next 12 months.
Chelsea need to sell this summer if Atleti’s interest remains in him. Especially, if it could possibly give them a helping hand in the race to sign World Cup winner Julian Alvarez from Diego Simeone’s side.
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