Manchester City have identified Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as one of several attacking options they are considering this summer, although no formal approach has been made for the Portugal international.
According to the Daily Mail, Neto features on City’s shortlist as the club assesses potential reinforcements out wide.
The report adds that Chelsea are aware of the growing interest in the 26-year-old but are not actively looking to sell one of their senior forwards.
Chelsea’s stance is understood to be shaped by the current transfer market, where the prices attached to elite wingers have risen sharply.
Paris Saint-Germain are reported to value Bradley Barcola at more than £100 million, while RB Leipzig have placed a similarly lofty valuation on Yan Diomande.
Although the Blues do not believe Neto would command a fee of that size, those deals are expected to influence any negotiations should interest develop.
Manchester City add Pedro Neto to winger shortlist
Liverpool, Saudi Pro League clubs and Manchester City have all been linked with the Portuguese winger in recent weeks.
Chelsea, however, are yet to place a public asking price on Neto and remain under no pressure to sanction a sale during the current transfer window.
City’s interest is also linked to head coach Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with Neto during his spell at Stamford Bridge and regularly deployed him on the right wing.
A reunion could appeal if City decide to strengthen that position before the new campaign, although the club are understood to be assessing multiple targets rather than focusing solely on the former Wolverhampton Wanderers player.
Neto joined Chelsea from Wolves last summer and remains an important member of the squad.
Club insiders believe the attention surrounding him reflects the shortage of proven wide players currently available on the market rather than any desire to move him on.
For now, City’s interest appears to be at an exploratory stage. Chelsea have not invited offers, no club-to-club talks have been reported, and any potential transfer would likely require a significant fee before negotiations could gather momentum.
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