Chelsea's Pedro Neto attends a training session
Chelsea's Pedro Neto attends a training session
Arsenal remain interested in signing Pedro Neto from Chelsea but face competition from more than one Premier League rival, The Chelsea Chronicle understands.
Last summer, Arsenal signed both Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, and they now look keen to do business with the Blues once again.
As well as Neto, Arsenal have also shown interest in Joao Pedro, although that appears to be a non-starter given the striker’s importance to Xabi Alonso’s side.
Pedro Neto's display vs AC Milan
Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images
Arsenal want to sign Pedro Neto on loan
While Pedro is off the table, Neto is available for the right price this summer. However, transfer insider Ekrem Konur has told The Chelsea Chronicle that both Arsenal and Liverpool want to sign the winger on an initial loan.
In an update on Neto’s current situation, he said: “Chelsea have attached a price tag close to the £70 million–£75 million range — a benchmark similar to the figure recently set for Malo Gusto — making Neto one of the most prominent names on the market.
“In the latest major development, Manchester City have formally opened talks to sign Pedro Neto on a permanent basis. City are actively seeking to create necessary funds to complete the move following explicit requests from manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur continue to show concrete interest in bringing the winger to north London.
“On the other hand, both Arsenal and Liverpool are closely monitoring Neto’s situation, but sources indicate that both clubs prefer a loan structure with purchase terms rather than an immediate full-fee transfer. This broad elite interest provides Chelsea with commanding leverage at the negotiating table.”
Pedro Neto of Chelsea on the ball
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Like Arsenal, City are also interested in a couple of Chelsea players, not just one. Maresca is keen to reunite with Enzo Fernandez, whose future is still up in the air right now.
Fernandez has returned to Chelsea’s training ground, but an exit before the transfer window closes has still not been ruled out.
Chelsea turn down chance to sign Myles Lewis-Skelly from Arsenal
While Neto could still join Arsenal this summer, it does not look like Myles Lewis-Skelly will be involved in any kind of transfer involving the Gunners and Chelsea.
On Tuesday, it emerged that Lewis-Skelly has been offered to Chelsea, who have been linked with the 19-year-old in the past.
However, the Blues do not appear to have taken the bait. It is now being reported that Chelsea have rejected the chance to sign Lewis-Skelly.
The England international would have given Alonso another left-back option, but Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria should suffice. Chavarria is set to be announced as a Chelsea player imminently.
Lewis-Skelly could also have been deployed in midfield, playing there for Arsenal in last season’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.