Chelsea have set a steep valuation of close to £100 million on winger Pedro Neto, signaling their reluctance to part with the player despite growing transfer speculation, including reported interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
The Portuguese international has been a regular fixture in Chelsea's pre-season preparations this summer, following a short break after his participation in the World Cup. Neto started all five of Portugal's matches at the tournament, though the Selecao's campaign ended in the last 16. He did not find the net during the competition but registered one assist.
Chelsea's lofty price for Neto reflects the broader inflation seen in the winger market across Europe this transfer window. Beyond the links to Al Hilal, Neto has also been mentioned in connection with Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the summer. However, no formal offer has yet landed at Stamford Bridge for the 25-year-old. Reports suggesting Tottenham had made an enquiry about his availability were denied by sources close to both clubs.
On the pitch, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has been experimenting with Neto's role, deploying him as a right wing-back within a back-three formation during the club's pre-season finale, a win over Real Sociedad. Whether this positional shift becomes a long-term feature of Neto's game under Alonso remains to be seen, but it suggests the club may be looking to maximize his versatility rather than rely on him purely as an orthodox winger.
Neto arrived at Chelsea in 2024 from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a deal worth £54 million, putting pen to paper on a seven-year contract that ties him to the club for the long haul. Since his move to west London, he has made 103 appearances across all competitions, contributing 19 goals and 19 assists. His importance to the squad was underscored during the turbulent 2025/26 season, when he featured in 52 matches for the Blues despite the upheaval surrounding the club.
With Chelsea holding firm on their valuation and no concrete bids materializing, Neto's future appears likely to remain at Stamford Bridge for the time being. The club's stance suggests they view him as an integral part of their squad rebuilding effort under Alonso, particularly given his adaptability to different tactical systems. The Spanish coach's willingness to trial Neto in a new wing-back capacity could also be a strategic move to increase his utility and further justify the club's reluctance to entertain offers below their asking price.
As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on whether Al Hilal, Manchester City, Tottenham, or any other suitor is willing to meet Chelsea's demands. For now, though, Neto remains a Chelsea player, with the club showing no urgency to sanction a sale amid the swirling speculation.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (Football).