Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The Pedro Neto saga is starting to heat up, with Chelsea standing their ground on a summer transfer.
Pedro Neto is suddenly the domino everyone is watching. Manchester City have made contact with his camp, driven by former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who is wanting a reunion at the Etihad.
But Stamford Bridge isn’t holding a fire sale. Fresh off a 10-goal, 10-assist season as Chelsea’s top creator, Neto remains a key piece in Xabi Alonso’s plans.
The Blues hold all the leverage with his long-term contract and won’t let him go on the cheap. Unless City can cough up serious cash, Neto stays put in London.
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Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea are now demanding even more for Pedro Neto
It was originally believed that Chelsea wanted around £68 million for Pedro Neto, but it now seems as if they’ve re-evaluated their price and are standing firm.
Speaking on the London is Blue podcast, BBC reporter Nizaar Kinsella has issued an update on the situation around Neto, with him even suggesting that they want at least £80 million.
“He is highly valued. And it is seen as if he leaves, he’s going to command a huge fee. And I think that Chelsea’s justification is the market has blown up there as well, like midfielders. Barcola at PSG for example, valued at 145 million, and then that sends a benchmark across the board. So, Chelsea are asking for staggering numbers there, like staggering.
“And I um I do feel like his agency are exploring a potential move. Um Chelsea have decent amount of wingers as well. But will the price tag just put people off? That’s the question now with Pedro Neto.
“But yeah, he’s not untouchable.
“Could leave, probably won’t leave, probably will play, you know, a lot for Chelsea.”
What’s the price tag for him? Just what are you hearing?
“We don’t have a number. We don’t have an exact number, but I’d look at I’d say in excess of 80 million pounds.”
At £80 million, it’s a no-brainer for Chelsea to take the £26 million profit on a player who perhaps hasn’t given the Blues the return on investment to suggest a price in that region.
After splashing out over £100 million on Morgan Rogers, the potential Neto funds would help towards the club’s financials, as well as open the door for some more investment into the squad.