Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
After a summer of speculation, Xabi Alonso is set to continue working with Pedro Neto at Chelsea.
Neto was heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea during the transfer window, with Al-Hilal one club who were interested in the winger.
With the Saudi Arabian transfer window not yet closed, Al-Hilal can still sign Neto, but Alonso looks keen to keep hold of the 26-year-old.
Pedro Neto promised role in Chelsea squad
According to TEAMtalk, Neto has been guaranteed a role in Alonso’s squad, making a move to Saudi Arabia now very unlikely.
It comes after Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur all showed interest in Neto, as per TEAMtalk’s report.
The Chelsea Chronicle understands that Arsenal were very keen on Neto but wanted to sign him on an initial loan deal.
The Portuguese could find it difficult to break into Chelsea’s attack this season. Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers make up the Blues’ frontline, which is considered to be the best in the Premier League at the moment.
However, Neto has had some success getting into the team as a wing-back and started in that role in Chelsea’s 4-3 win against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
Pedro Neto of Chelsea celebrates scoring
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Pedro Neto should continue in right wing-back role
Neto’s future is probably at wing-back, as long as Alonso remains at Stamford Bridge. His end product is not as good as Palmer’s and Rogers’, but he still has some very good attributes that make him useful and perfect for the right wing-back role.
The Portugal international is fast, energetic, direct and capable of putting an accurate ball into the box.
READ MORE:Pedro Neto gives big hint he wants to stay at Chelsea after scoring in Brighton triumph
In the past, Chelsea have had Victor Moses in the right wing-back position. The ex-Nigeria star was excellent there and is quite similar to Neto, but you would argue that Neto has even more technical quality than him.
If Moses can be a success there, so can Neto. In the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man, Reece James, Malo Gusto and Marco Palestra, Alonso has some very good options for the position.