Chelsea value Pedro Neto at over £75m amid Manchester City interest
Chelsea have increased their asking price for winger Pedro Neto to more than £75m amid mounting transfer interest from Manchester City and Liverpool.
The Blues are actively monitoring the inflated fees demanded for wide players across Europe this summer.
Valuations for Paris St-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande are currently being used as a benchmark by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.
Both European clubs are expected to command figures in excess of £100m for their respective attackers.
Market inflation drives up asking price
While acknowledging Neto may not fetch a nine-figure sum, the London club believe his price tag should reflect the current market premium.
The 26-year-old registered 20 goal contributions last season, matching the output of the highly sought-after Barcola.
Chelsea originally paid Wolves £54m for the Portuguese international in 2024 and hold a strong negotiating position.
The talented forward remains under contract with the Premier League side until the summer of 2031.
Maresca targets Etihad Stadium reunion
Manchester City are heavily linked with a move for the player, raising the prospect of a reunion with former manager Enzo Maresca.
The Italian tactician is a known admirer of the wide man, having praised his exceptional work rate during their time together in London.
“If you just attack and you are not able to defend, you don’t play many games, in my view. In terms of sacrifice, Pedro has been top since we started together.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool are also monitoring the situation closely.
However, the Merseyside outfit could drop their interest if Andoni Iraola’s side successfully pursue a deal for PSG’s Barcola instead.
Extended break delays pre-season return
Neto is not actively being pushed towards the exit door by his current employers.
The Portuguese attacker is currently absent from the club’s pre-season tour of Sydney.
His omission is entirely unrelated to ongoing transfer speculation.
Instead, the versatile forward has been granted an extended holiday following his recent World Cup exertions with his national team.