City could be forced to decide on Pedro Neto after Al-Hilal reportedly reached an agreement with the Chelsea winger over personal terms.
According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Al-Hilal have agreed terms with Neto and Chelsea are now open to selling the Portugal international for around €60m.
This development could have implications for City, who have been linked with Neto as they consider their wide options.
City’s interest in the 26-year-old has been reported in recent weeks, with Neto understood to have been considered as a potential replacement should Savinho leave the Etihad for Tottenham this summer.
That possibility has become increasingly relevant with Spurs’ continued pursuit of the winger.
City have also been linked with several younger wingers, although no obvious replacement for Savinho has emerged.
Neto would offer something different.
The Chelsea winger is Premier League-proven and has the pace and directness to operate from either flank, while his ability to carry the ball would make him an obvious option if City lose Savinho.
The question now is whether City are prepared to act.
Al-Hilal’s reported agreement with Neto does not mean a transfer to Saudi Arabia has been completed, with Chelsea still needing to agree a deal with the Saudi Pro League club.
A reported €60m asking price could also give City something to consider if they decide Neto is the right player to replace Savinho.
For now, there is no indication that City have made a formal offer for Neto.
But with the winger potentially available and City’s search for another wide player already underway, this is a situation worth noting.
If Savinho leaves, City may need to move quickly.
And Neto now appears to be one of the more established options available to them.
