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Chelsea Demands £100m for Pedro Neto as Al-Hilal Agrees Personal Terms, Challenging Man City and Arsenal

Chelsea have raised their asking price for Pedro Neto to nearly £100 million as transfer interest intensifies. This comes after Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal reportedly reached an agreement with Neto on personal terms, putting pressure on Premier League rivals Manchester City and Arsenal.

Stamford Bridge Increases Neto's Valuation

The Blues now demand close to £100 million for the 26-year-old winger, who joined Chelsea from Wolves in 2024 for £54 million. This surge in valuation follows Chelsea’s observation of recent high-profile transfers such as Real Madrid’s Yan Diomande deal worth up to £120 million and the expensive bidding wars over Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola.

Al-Hilal Moves Forward After Agreeing Personal Terms

While Premier League clubs have shown interest, Al-Hilal seem to have made the most progress. Neto has reportedly accepted their personal terms, with the Riyadh-based club offering around €60 million (£51 million). This offer falls short of Chelsea’s new £100 million target, but it has intensified competition and alarmed English clubs.

Impact on Manchester City and Arsenal Transfers

Manchester City, under new manager Enzo Maresca, views Neto as a key addition to energize their attack. Meanwhile, Arsenal had considered Neto to strengthen their wing options, but Chelsea’s steep price might push them to prioritize defensive signings instead. The financial muscle of the Saudi Pro League continues to disrupt European clubs’ plans.

Neto’s Role in Pre-Season and Manager Comments

Despite ongoing speculation, Neto played a prominent role in Chelsea’s last pre-season match, a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad. Coach Xabi Alonso downplayed transfer rumors, focusing on preparation ahead of their season opener against Fulham. He commented, “It was a very good last preparation game. For some players, it was the first one and the last one. For us, there were some good things, some things we can improve. It’s normal at this moment for some players. It was great to have all the team together.”

Additional Squad Developments at Chelsea

Alongside Neto’s situation, Chelsea faces further challenges with interest in defender Tosin Adarabioyo and a valuation of striker Nicolas Jackson at about £65 million, highlighting the club’s balancing act between squad management and finances.

  • Player: Pedro Neto
  • Age: 26
  • Chelsea Transfer Fee (2024): £54 million from Wolves
  • Current Chelsea Asking Price: Nearly £100 million
  • Al-Hilal Offer: Approximately €60 million (£51 million)
  • Comparable Deals Cited: Yan Diomande (£120 million), Bradley Barcola (high bids from Liverpool)
  • Other Chelsea Player Values: Nicolas Jackson (~£65 million)

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