Pedro Neto of Chelsea runs with the ball
Pedro Neto of Chelsea runs with the ball
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso could end up losing Pedro Neto before the transfer window in Saudi Arabia closes.
Al-Hilal are keen on signing Neto, and it is thought that Chelsea are willing to let the winger go for the right price.
Pedro Neto of Chelsea
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
The Chelsea Chronicle understands that Neto is also on Arsenal’s radar, so he is attracting plenty of interest at the minute.
However, Alonso appears very reluctant to let him go. According to TEAMtalk, the Spaniard is in no rush to sell Neto.
Looking at the theme of Chelsea’s transfer window so far, the above is hardly a surprise. Alonso has been desperate to add more experience to this very young Chelsea squad.
He has brought in Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson, who are both in their mid-30s, and also pursued Granit Xhaka before eventually turning to the former Liverpool captain.
Granit Xhaka and Xabi Alonso
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Xhaka is 33 now and has made over 250 appearances in the Premier League, so he also would have brought plenty of experience to Stamford Bridge with him.
Neto is not quite in that bracket yet, but the Portuguese is 26 and has played 180 times in the English top flight. He is definitely one of the more seasoned professionals in Alonso’s squad.
What will also appeal to Alonso is Neto’s versatility. The Portugal international can play on both flanks and has even started as a wing-back under his new manager.
Neto does frustrate the Chelsea fan base a lot of the time. His play can sometimes be too predictable, while he does not always get his head up and scan the pitch, instead choosing to run with it down when in possession of the ball.
For a manager, though, it is easy to see his overall appeal. Neto is quick, versatile, hard-working and, of course, experienced at this level. He is clearly ticking a lot of boxes for Alonso.