Brentford striker Igor Thiago could become Pedro Neto’s teammate at Chelsea next season.
It is being reported that Chelsea are currently tracking Thiago, who has impressed at the Gtech Community Stadium this term.
The Blues already have Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu as centre-forward options, while Emanuel Emegha is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Joao Pedro is the CLOSEST Chelsea have had to Didier Drogba since he left… 👀
What do you think?
Nevertheless, Neto would still welcome the arrival of Thiago if Chelsea go on to sign the 24-year-old.
Mateus Mane of Wolverhampton Wanderers gets a toe to the ball as he battles for possession with Pedro Neto of Chelsea FC
Photo by Stuart Leggett/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Igor Thiago has the ability to connect with Pedro Neto’s crosses
Neto starred in Chelsea’s victory against Hull City last Friday as Liam Rosenior’s side went on to claim a 4-0 win.
The winger scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup tie, but he is definitely recognised more for his crossing than for his goalscoring ability.
Neto never hesitates to put a ball into the box; however, he does not always have success with it. For example, when Chelsea played Pafos in the Champions League earlier this season, Neto attempted 15 crosses, yet not one was successful.
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
With that in mind, the arrival of Thiago could really benefit the Portuguese. During the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Thiago has been an aerial threat.
According to FotMob, the Brazilian has registered 13 headed shots, scoring two of them. He has also won 64 aerial duels, which is a high number compared to other centre-forwards.
When Chelsea find themselves losing towards the end of a game, using Neto to cross the ball into both Thiago and Pedro could prove to be a very effective tactic.
Brentford's Brazilian striker #09 Igor Thiago (L) vies with Newcastle United's Italian midfielder #08 Sandro Tonali (R)
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images
Igor Thiago an all-round threat
Thiago has been a problem for defenders in the Premier League overall this season, not just in the air.
In total, the Brentford star has scored 17 goals in 26 appearances. Only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has found the back of the net more times than him.
Thiago also has an xG of 14.73, so he is actually doing better than expected in front of goal. It is no surprise, then, that some of Europe’s biggest clubs are now looking at Thiago, including Chelsea.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox