Chelsea are reportedly closing in on a surprise signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers winger – Pedro Neto. The Portuguese winger is expected to leave the English side this summer after a standout performance in the Premier League last season under coach Gary O’Neil. He has been linked with top English clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham. Chelsea seemed like an unlikely destination – until now.
Chelsea is reportedly prepared to spend €60 million, with an additional €3 million in performance-related add-ons, to bring the Portuguese winger to Stamford Bridge with the winger committing to a long-term contract. Other sources also confirmed that personal terms have been reached between the two clubs and the player. Neto is expected to undergo a medical examination at the West London club soon.
Chelsea’s interest in the Portuguese winger is a surprise, especially since the club does not lack wingers and has a rapidly growing portfolio of players. Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling, and Noni Madueke have struggled to be consistent for the Blues hence the need to add another winger to help the Blues secure much-needed goals for a chance at the Premier League title next season. Chelsea was previously rumored to be in the market for a right-footed winger, but Neto like Noni Madueke is left-footed and would likely be Enzo Maresca’s first choice for the left wing.
The 24-year-old has made 135 appearances for Wolves, scoring 14 times and providing 24 assists. The Wanderers have been anticipating his departure and are now pushing for the signing of Ajax’s Carlos Forbes as his replacement. Negotiations between Chelsea and Wolves are progressing swiftly and discreetly, with the deal for one of the Premier League’s most sought-after talents nearing its completion.
Chelsea has invested over £110 million in new signings this summer and this value would increase with Pedro Neto’s acquisition. They have brought in Omari Kellyman, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Filip Jorgensen, and most recently – Samu Omorodion and Anselmino. Their spending spree is not over yet, as new manager Enzo Maresca is still looking to strengthen his attacking options by adding another striker.
On the other hand, Chelsea generated nearly £90 million through player sales this summer. The club parted ways with Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall, Omari Hutchinson, Hakim Ziyech, and Jamie Cumming for substantial fees. Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr were released at the end of their contracts last season. Conor Gallagher is also set to leave for Atletico Madrid in the coming week, with negotiations completed.
Trevoh Chalobah is also reportedly open to leaving Chelsea after he was left out of the squad for their pre-season tour in the USA. The English homegrown defender was previously determined to stay and fight for a place in Enzo Maresca’s team, but the club seems to be forcing him out with interest from other English clubs. West Ham United, Fulham, and Crystal Palace are all interested in signing him this summer, and with a change of heart, he would begin advanced talks with scouting clubs to find the best fit for his future.
Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong is a transfer target for European giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. The 18-year-old defender made his senior debut for Chelsea against Tottenham Hotspur last season and is regarded as one of the most promising prospects from the club’s academy. Chelsea is actively looking to offload some of their academy graduates and Real Madrid and PSG would make a great destination for the youngster to improve his talent.
The Blues Sign Three More Players In The First Week Of August
Chelsea has been on a spending spree this summer in an attempt to save the club’s failing reputation since its new owners took over. The exit of yet another coach at the end of the previous season still hovers over the cloud of inconsistency and imbalance in the club. The new management hired Enzo Maresca who led Leicester City to Championship victory last season to help push the club forward in domestic competitions and at the UEFA Conference League. So far, nine players have been added to the club’s dressing room and the arrival of the Portuguese winger will add to the list.
The Blues has agreed to sign Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders from Genk this summer after his impressive season with Genk’s youth teams. The 19-year-old who captained Belgium’s U19s is joining the West London club for £17 million and will be loaned back to Genk for a year as part of the deal. The agreement also includes a sell-on clause for future transfer from the London-based club.
Chelsea would add the young and experienced goal-stopper to an already crowded goalkeeping roster that includes this summer signing – Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal. Kepa Arrizabalaga returned from his one-year-long loan from Real Madrid. The Blues also have Robert Sanchez, Djordje Petrovic, Marcus Bettinelli, Lucas Bergstrom, and Eddie Beach in their squad. Luke Campbell, Ted Curd, and Teddy Sharman-Lowe are also Chelsea goal-keepers currently out on loan at different clubs.
Chelsea confirmed their eighth summer purchase on Thursday with the signing of Aaron Anselmino from Boca Juniors. The 19-year-old was signed for approximately £15 million and like Mike Penders, would remain on loan at his former club for the 2024/25 season. Anselmino penned down a seven-year deal with Chelsea and would become the seventh Argentine to feature for the club, in the footsteps of Legendary forward – Hernan Crespo, Juan Sebastian Veron, Willy Caballero, Gonzalo Higuain, Franco Di Santo, and current midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea has also reached an agreement to bring in another young talent, Samu Omorodion, who will be joining from Atletico Madrid. The Blues agreed to pay a fixed fee of €40 million for the Spanish forward, with Conor Gallagher heading to Atletico Madrid for the same amount. Omorodion will join the first team this summer without having made a single appearance for Atletico. He spent last season on loan at Alaves following his transfer to the Spanish Capital from Granada in 2023.
CHELSEA’S UPCOMING FIXTURES:
Chelsea vs. Manchester City (Sunday, 18th August – Premier League, Kick-off: 16:30 BST)
Chelsea vs. TBC (Thursday, 22nd August – Europa Conference League Qualifying, Kick-off: 00:00 BST)
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Chelsea (Sunday, 25th August – Premier League, Kick-off: 14:00 BST)
TBC vs. Chelsea (Thursday, 29th August – Europa Conference League Qualifying, Kick-off: 00:00 BST)
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Chelsea’s crowded dressing room and recent pre-season results have raised concerns among fans ahead of the pre-season. The club would have a lot of work to do in securing loan deals and selling off players who don’t fit into new head coach – Enzo Maresca’s plans for the recent season or at least half of it till some kind of balance is found in the January transfer window. The issue of a new and consistent striker is still an issue, with nothing yet to be agreed with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and other prospects. The club seems to be contented with Nickolas Jackson and new arrivals Marc Guiu and Samu Omorodion with Armando Broja and Romelu Lukaku likely to exit.
