Arsenal have made a direct approach to Pedro Neto's representatives, signaling their intent to sign the Chelsea winger before the new Premier League season gets underway. The move comes after the Gunners' failed pursuit of Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, who recently committed his future to the Spanish giants with a new long-term contract.
Arsenal's Interest in Pedro Neto
According to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, Arsenal are among the clubs considering a move for the 25-year-old Portugal international. Chelsea have indicated they are "open to receiving offers" for Neto, rather than actively pushing him out of the door. The Blues are expected to demand around £70 million for the winger, a price that reflects his quality and potential.
Neto joined Chelsea from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a high-profile deal in 2024, but his first season at Stamford Bridge was disrupted by injury, limiting his impact. Despite this, his technical ability and dribbling skills have kept him on the radar of Europe's top clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester City.
Arteta's Left Wing Priority
Mikel Arteta has identified left wing reinforcement as a priority this summer. The Gunners initially targeted Vinicius Junior, but that pursuit collapsed after the Real Madrid forward signed a new contract, ending any prospect of a move to north London. With that option closed, Arsenal have shifted their focus to Neto, who could provide the creativity and width Arteta desires.
Neto's arrival would represent a significant outlay for Arsenal, but signing a player of his calibre could prove crucial as Arteta assembles a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title and making a deep run in the Champions League.
Chelsea's Position on Neto
Chelsea's willingness to listen to offers is shaped by practical considerations. The club's enormous squad and their absence from European competition next season mean that minutes will be harder to come by for players on the fringes. Neto himself has not yet pushed for a transfer, and Phillips noted that the winger's own stance could prove decisive in determining whether a deal moves forward.
"Chelsea are not desperate sellers," Phillips said. "They would require a strong bid before agreeing to let Neto go, and any club looking to do business will need to meet their valuation rather than negotiate them down significantly."
Competition from Manchester City
Arsenal are not alone in their interest. Manchester City have also been linked with Neto, and Phillips suggested that the involvement of two clubs of that stature increases the likelihood of Chelsea receiving an offer worth serious consideration. City's new manager Enzo Maresca, who achieved success at Chelsea, is reportedly targeting three players from his former club, including Neto, as he seeks to bolster his squad.
The summer transfer window is progressing, and whether Arsenal can agree terms with Chelsea, and crucially whether Neto himself decides he wants to make the move, remains to be seen. For now, the Gunners have made their intentions clear, and the ball is in Chelsea's court.
