City have abandoned their pursuit of Pedro Neto, with the Chelsea winger now closing in on a move to Saudi Arabia instead.
According to Sportitalia journalist Gianluigi Longari, Manchester City have withdrawn from the race for Neto after being put off by Chelsea’s asking price of €60-70m. Saudi side Al-Hilal have stepped into the void left behind, with Sada reporting that Enzo Maresca’s side simply gave up on the pursuit once the Saudi Pro League club reached an agreement with Chelsea.
Al-Hilal have already agreed personal terms with the 26-year-old and are now negotiating with Chelsea to finalise the deal, with Inter Milan also said to have made contact over a potential move, though it’s unclear whether the Italian side and Chelsea can find common ground. Longari added that Savinho remains City’s “strong alternative” should the Neto pursuit fully collapse.
Chelsea themselves have no strong desire to sell Neto and don’t want a saga dragging into the new Premier League season, which kicks off this Friday, though they’re understood to be more open to letting him leave than some of their other attacking options. That’s put City’s focus elsewhere — Maresca continues to push for a reunion with Enzo Fernandez, his former Chelsea midfielder, as City look to reshape the squad following Rodri’s departure.
City will keep half an eye on the Neto situation regardless, ready to re-enter the race if Al-Hilal’s move for any reason stalls.
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Source: Sport Witness
