Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly has high hopes for the attackers at his former club.
Excluding Joao Pedro, it was a disappointing season for Chelsea’s offensive players. The 25-year-old managed to score 20 goals in all competitions, but the likes of Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho were not prolific.
In fact, Garnacho only managed to score one goal in the Premier League. Striker Liam Delap also netted just once in the English top flight.
What is Xabi Alonso’s number one priority as soon as he walks through those doors?🤔
Xabi Alonso's priority as Chelsea manager
Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Marcel Desailly tells Xabi Alonso to build around Pedro Neto
After watching their faltering attack, Chelsea fans want to see reinforcements in that department this summer.
However, Desailly has urged Xabi Alonso to build around Pedro, Neto and Cole Palmer.
Speaking to TEAMtalk, the World Cup winner said: “There are like nine players who still need to be developed in the side. Joao Pedro still needs to have somebody to guide him. Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer, the same. Build the attack around these guys.”
Pedro Neto of Chelsea chases a loose ball
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Neto has proven to be quite a controversial figure at Chelsea since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2024.
Many Chelsea supporters have not been happy with the winger’s end product, while others really appreciate his work rate. Simply put, he divides opinion.
In April, it was claimed that Barcelona were interested in Neto, but he no longer appears to be a player they are considering.
Pedro Neto’s 2025/26 stats
Pedro was a key player for Chelsea this season. In total, he made 52 appearances in all competitions.
He was definitely one of the Blues’ more productive attackers, scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists. With that being said, the 26-year-old probably did not do enough in the Premier League.
In 34 top-flight games, Neto only managed to score five goals. The Portuguese also registered six assists, so he did reach double figures for goal contributions.
However, going forward, five goals from a starting winger is not going to be enough if Chelsea want to make serious progress.
Chelsea are interested in Jarrod Bowen following West Ham United’s relegation to the Championship. His numbers are better than Neto’s, so the England international could be an upgrade if he arrives at Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window.
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