Chelsea are set to demand £70million from Manchester City to sign Pedro Neto, talkSPORT understands.
The Citizens are interested in signing Blues winger Neto as a potential replacement for Savinho, who has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham.
Savinho has been tipped for a summer exit after struggling for game time at the Etihad Stadium last season, and could finally be edging towards Spurs as they look to bolster their attacking options.
The north Londoners have been linked with the Brazilian in the last two transfer windows, but a deal could finally materialise with Roberto De Zerbi looking to continue his huge summer spending.
Neto is also a rumoured target for Spurs, though their priority at this stage appears to be Savinho.
And should the 22-year-old move south, Man City are interested in Chelsea and Portugal star Neto as a potential replacement.
Neto and new Sky Blues boss Enzo Maresca worked together during their time at Stamford Bridge, which came to an end following the Italian coach’s departure in January.
The 26-year-old has started 54 league matches since his £54million arrival from Wolves in 2024, scoring nine goals.
However, he may struggle for game time under new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso in the upcoming campaign following the £117million addition of Morgan Rogers this summer, who can play out wide.
Won’t come cheap
talkSPORT’s Chief Football Correspondent Alex Crook has now shared an update on Man City’s stance on Neto.
And Crook revealed that should Savinho’s exit pave the way for the Citizens to pursue the Portuguese star, they would likely have to meet the Blues’ £70m asking price.
Crook explained: “Pedro Neto is a player that Maresca knows well from his time at Chelsea, and I’m told Manchester City‘s interest in Neto is genuine.
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“This could develop if Savinho completes what would be a protracted move to Tottenham, bearing in mind they tried to sign him last summer and in the January transfer window.
“That interest remains. Roberto De Zerbi is driving it at the moment. Savinho is keen to make the move. So it could be one in, one out at the Etihad
“I think Chelsea would demand a fee in the region of £70million for Neto – City were asking for £60million for Savinho.
“So these two pieces of the transfer jigsaw could end up fitting together quite nicely.”
Transfer tug-of-war?
Man City aren’t the only side tipped to make a play for Neto should Chelsea sanction his summer sale.
Premier League rivals Liverpool have been linked with a move for Neto as the Reds consider their options in their quest to replace Mohamed Salah – who recently completed a move to Trabzonspor.
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The Merseyside outfit are yet to sign a new right winger, while Serie A giants AC Milan are also believed to be keeping tabs on Neto.
Neto’s compatriot Ruben Amorim took over as AC Milan boss back in June following Max Allegri’s departure after the Italian side failed to secure a Champions League finish.
With Tottenham a key cog in any City move for Neto, their summer spending – which currently stands at £237m – is seemingly not done.
De Zerbi’s side have been one of the busiest Premier League teams this summer, breaking their transfer record twice, first to sign Mateus Fernandes and then Sandro Tonali from West Ham and Newcastle.
Attention now turns to the attack, and the Italian hinted that a ‘bomba’ was imminent during the club’s pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.
While De Zerbi was forced to clarify his comments, supporters remain hopeful of a major attacking arrival, with Savinho and Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo the leading names at present.
