Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is looking to bring Pedro Neto to Manchester City, although the Blues are standing firm in their valuation of the winger.
Maresca walked out of Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day after it had become clear that he had already engaged in conversations with City over replacing Pep Guardiola.
Chiefs at Chelsea believe Maresca’s surprise exit derailed their season, with them ending up missing out on Europe with a 10th-placed finish.
Pedro Neto's display vs AC Milan
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Chelsea getting revenge on Enzo Maresca with Pedro Neto valuation
The Italian is looking to bounce back with City, and wants Neto in his side to bolster his chances with a player he has a strong relationship with.
As per Fabrizio Romano though, the two sides have different valuations of the player, and Chelsea are not prepared to lower that price for Maresca’s side.
Chelsea v Arsenal - Premier League
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He said: “There’s currently a significant gap in valuation between Man City and Chelsea for Pedro Neto deal. Chelsea do not plan to reduce their requests for the Portuguese winger.”
Maresca will feel he has a point to prove taking over after Guardiola’s legendary tenure, with some City fans not yet won over by him.
The Italian is also seemingly keen on bringing in Enzo Fernandez, however again Chelsea are sticking firm with their valuation of the midfielder.
There will surely be less desire for the Blues to do major business with City too due to the fact they would be directly strengthening a Premier League rival.
Chelsea's pre-season results
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Potential new role at Chelsea for Neto
After featuring as an out-and-out winger for Chelsea since joining, Neto’s position could be about to change following the hiring of Xabi Alonso.
The Portugal international started as a wing-back during their pre-season victory against AC Milan, where his workrate sees him as a standout candidate for the role.
He was also given plenty of licence to get forwards, picking up an assist for Joao Pedro’s second goal in that game.
Chelsea selling Neto before even giving him a real chance in this position would be foolish, and thankfully doesn’t look like an avenue they are going to go down.