Spurs are ready to swoop in and sign Pedro Neto from Man City if a tricky transfer chain happens.
Manchester City’s interest in Chelsea winger Pedro Neto might get a challenge from Tottenham, but something needs to happen first.
On Tuesday (August 4), Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano shared that Man City has reached out directly to Neto’s team about a possible transfer. Neto is just one of a few wingers City is thinking about signing, but any move might depend on what happens with Savinho, who could be heading to Spurs.
Maresca, who used to coach Neto at Chelsea, knows him well, which could help the deal. However, it might not be easy, even with their good relationship. Romano said Spurs might try to step in and take Neto if they can’t get their main target, Savinho. Still, Savinho has a really good chance of joining Tottenham.
Romano explained on his YouTube channel, “Manchester City made formal talks with Pedro Neto’s agent today to bring him to Manchester. Enzo Maresca is important here because he really knows and values Neto.”
The reason City is looking for a winger is because Savinho might leave, which would open up a spot on the right side. Romano also added that Chelsea isn’t looking to sell Neto right now, as he’s part of coach Xabi Alonso’s plans. Chelsea values Neto at about £70 million.
“The deal depends on if Chelsea get a good offer,” Romano said. “This could change, but Neto doesn’t have to leave. Talks are happening, and Neto might be open to moving. Now it’s about agreeing on the price.”
Both Savinho and Neto have contracts that run until 2031. Spurs are also linked with other players like Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup, and they might have a chance to sign AS Monaco’s Folarin Balogun.
Tottenham coach Roberto De Zerbi has already signed several players this summer, including Sandro Tonali and Andrew Robertson. However, captain Cristian Romero looks like he might leave for Inter Milan, and Lucas Bergvall’s future is still unclear.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Maresca shared his thoughts on City’s transfer plans. “Luckily, this squad doesn’t need many changes,” he said. “But we have lost some important, experienced players like Bernardo Silva, John Stones, and Nathan Ake. So yes, we do need to do some things.”
He added, “Hugo Viana and Ferran Soriano are here, and we talk every day to see if we need to make moves. The transfer window is open, so anything can happen in August. After September, it’s a different story.”
So far, City has already signed Elliot Anderson, Jeremy Monga, and Mathys Detourbet this summer.