City’s interest in landing a reunion between Enzo Maresca and a former Chelsea player of his has run into a familiar problem: money.
Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, confirmed Pedro Neto remains on City’s list but said there’s now a “very big gap in valuation” between the two clubs, adding that a deal is “financially not easy” at this stage. He also said Chelsea aren’t under any pressure to sell — they’re “happy to keep him” unless a substantial offer arrives.
It’s an update rather than a new development. City made contact with Neto’s camp over two weeks ago, with Chelsea said to be holding out for around £75m — more than the £54m they paid Wolves for the winger two years ago. Maresca’s relationship with the player from their time together at Stamford Bridge, where Neto made 77 appearances and contributed 27 goals and assists, has been central to City’s interest throughout.
For now, that relationship isn’t enough to bridge the financial gap. Chelsea have shown no urgency to move Neto on, and with City reportedly needing a winger only if Savinho departs, there’s no obvious pressure point forcing either side to shift.
Whether this moves again likely depends on City’s other business — if Savinho leaves for Tottenham, expect the Neto interest to sharpen quickly.
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