Chelsea
As per the latest transfer news, Pedro Neto Set For Shock Saudi Exit From Chelsea. Al-Hilal have now emerged as firm favourites to land him this summer.
Pedro Neto nears Saudi Pro League switch
As reported by GOAL, Neto has reportedly agreed personal terms with Al-Hilal, and the Saudi club are ready to pay €60 million. Chelsea first wanted £70 million from Premier League suitors for the winger. They have since softened that stance as the transfer window nears its final stretch. The Riyadh side need a fresh face, since Malcom looks set to leave for Al-Ahli soon.
Chelsea signed Neto from Wolves in 2024 for a similar fee, and this sale would recoup most of that outlay. That move came on a seven year contract, which makes this exit talk a genuine surprise to many. He was widely tipped to stay in England for another season at least. At 26, Neto sits close to his peak years, with the directness to shine in Saudi football.
Fabrizio Romano explained that City had already opened talks with his camp. However, the fee involved has slowed down any real progress so far. His value on the transfer market has been rated as high as €66 million this year. Neto has also won 30 caps for Portugal, adding to his standing as a proven international.
Neto’s stats in the 2025-26 season at Chelsea, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Goals Assists Successful passes %
Premier League 34 5 6 87.3%
FA Cup 6 4 2 92.9%
EFL Cup 4 1 1 81.5%
UCL 8 0 1 86.7%
Manchester City and Arsenal left frustrated in chase
Enzo Maresca had marked Pedro Neto as a top target after Maresca joined City. He hoped the winger could sharpen his attacking width at the Etihad. Arsenal also viewed him as a strong option after missing out on Vinicius Junior. Mikel Arteta wanted another wide player to support Saka and Martinelli. Neither London club has matched the fee now on offer from the Gulf. Maresca managed Neto at Chelsea last season, so he knows what the winger can offer.
Neto’s importance to Chelsea has never been in doubt this past year. His displays in the Premier League last term showed why so many clubs came calling. A player who can beat defenders in tight spaces is hard to replace at short notice. He scored 5 goals and set up 6 more in 34 league games last season. Losing that kind of pace on the wing could blunt Chelsea’s counter attacks going forward.
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Xabi Alonso prepares his squad for the new season
While the transfer saga plays out, Alonso stays focused on his squad. Chelsea rounded off their build-up with a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad. That result gave fans some hope before the season opener against Fulham.
As reported by ESPN, Alonso said after the win: “It was a very good last preparation game.” His words suggest calm belief in the group, even with transfer talk swirling. Chelsea already have Estevao Willian and Geovany Quenda to cover the right wing. Alonso will hope that depth eases any gap left by Neto’s exit.
From a squad view, selling Neto would hand Chelsea around £51 million. That fee could fund a swap for another proven winger this window. Chelsea have already banked strong fees this summer from selling Andrey Santos, Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah and Tyrique George. Adding Neto’s fee to that list would make this one of their busiest trading windows in years.