Manchester City have left the door open for Arsenal to make a move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, according to reports. The Portugal international is a target for City's new manager Enzo Maresca, who has identified him as the ideal replacement for Savinho, who is bound for Tottenham.
Maresca and Neto worked effectively together during their time at Stamford Bridge, and Pep Guardiola's successor is keen to be reunited with the former Wolves star at the Etihad Stadium. Chelsea, for their part, are happy with the player and believe he could play a big role under their new manager Xabi Alonso, according to Fabrizio Romano.
City baulk at Chelsea's asking price
If Chelsea were to sell the 26-year-old, however, it would take a substantial fee, and they would be looking to make a significant profit on the £54 million they paid Wolves two years ago. Currently, there is understood to be a 'huge gap' between what City are willing to pay and Chelsea's valuation, and it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached.
It is a similar scenario regarding the future of Enzo Fernandez, who has also been linked with a move to City, but Chelsea are refusing to budge from their £120 million valuation and would prefer to keep their club captain.
Arsenal could capitalise
As for Neto, City baulking at the asking price could present an opportunity for Arsenal, who are in the market for a left winger and were interested in Neto when he was on the verge of leaving Wolves. The Gunners have already signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge this summer, and although he has made an encouraging start to life with the Premier League champions with several eye-catching displays in pre-season, Mikel Arteta is keen to further bolster his attack.
Whether Arsenal, who have regularly bought from their London rivals over the course of the last few years, make a concrete offer for Neto remains to be seen, but their former striker Jeremie Aliadiere has urged the Gunners to look at cheaper options after missing out on Vinicius Junior.
Aliadiere urges financial caution
'I just think: Yes, we're champions, yes, we've made a lot of money. But at some point, you've got to balance the books as well,' Aliadiere told Metro via Football Betting. 'When you think about the money that Arsenal already spent after Guimaraes' arrival, what we've spent last year, plus we've only had Trossard leaving for money.
'Only the club will know financially where they are, but will they be able to go and spend 150 million on a new winger, or is it maybe financially more reasonable to go for a lower option?' Aliadiere continued: 'Pedro Neto could be a great option. He's played in the Premier League for many years, is established, knows the league, a very, very good player.
'And don't forget, we've already signed a left winger with Christos Tzolis. He's a left winger, so you're just adding top talent. We've spent 40 million. You can't just spend 40 million and then just stick him on the bench and never play him. So I think you've got to keep every option open and see what is best financially for the club.'
