Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Already this summer, Pedro Neto has been heavily linked with the exit door at Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea star flattered to deceive last season, and now Arsenal are reportedly interested.
Portugal’s World Cup winger Neto had a hand in 20 goals last season, but he clocked up 52 appearances in all competitions. A rate of a goal or an assist every two and a half games, stuttering on the big stage.
Pedro Neto's display vs AC Milan
Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images
Indeed, Neto failed to score in eight Champions League games and laid on just one assist. But in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, Neto scored five goals and created three more in 10 appearances for Chelsea.
Seven of those 10 games were against sides below the Premier League. It says a lot, yet some of the biggest clubs in Europe are tracking Neto as Chelsea slap a £70m price tag on the former Wolves man.
What Arsenal fans think about signing Chelsea’s Pedro Neto
This week, Simon Phillips reports that Arsenal have informed Neto’s agents that they are considering a move for the Chelsea man. It remains unclear if Neto is willing to make the move across London.
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Photo by May JAMES / AFP via Getty Images
The route between Chelsea and Arsenal has been a well-trodden one in recent years. Arsenal currently boast Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz, and plenty have made the move beforehand.
Now, Neto could be the latest player to make the move if Arsenal make good on their initial enquiries. It has prompted plenty of reaction from Arsenal fans on social media on Monday, with many against it.
The overriding belief is that Neto is not good enough for the Gunners, certainly at the price being quoted. But Arsenal have allowed Leandro Trossard to leave, and the Belgian requires replacing this summer.
“I truly hope this is fake news”, was the opinion of one Arsenal supporter on social media. Another said, “please not another Chelsea player”. One asked, “is this a joke?”, while another said, “hell to the no”.
The surprise among Arsenal fans continued to roll in. Another said, “you’ve got to be kidding me”, and “please let this only be a rumour” was the verdict from another member of the Emirates faithful.
Which other clubs have been linked with signing Neto?
At the start of the summer, Barcelona were touted with signing Neto. But Barca signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United instead, and any suggestions that Neto could move to the Nou Camp died off.
However, more recently, Enzo Maresca has been linked with taking Neto to Man City. The Italian is yet to raid Chelsea for any of his old players, but he is also said to be eyeing Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez.
For now, Neto remains a Chelsea player. As the season draws closer, it looks more and more likely that he will remain at Stamford Bridge. But should a £70m offer be received, then things can change quickly.