Ornstein: Chelsea have “big decision” to make over transfer for player wanted by “Europe’s biggest sides” | OneFootball

The Athletic have just put out “the transfer radar 2026”, a centralised mega page which keeps tabs on all of the top rumours around football.

Chelsea could sell a key Maresca favourite if the price is right

Pedro Neto celebrates his goal at Burnley. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

Most of the Chelsea related ones are well know – we all know about Nicolas Jackson’s status, for example. But we were quite surprised to see Pedro Neto get his own place in the top 50.

He’s been a key player for Enzo Maresca ever since arriving in the summer of 2024, and apart from some very brief whispers in the summer there’s been little talk about him leaving. But according to this piece, it was on the cards in the summer and could yet be again.

“​​Chelsea rebuffed an approach for Neto from one of Europe’s biggest sides towards the end of the last transfer window, which shows the regard in which he is held at Stamford Bridge and beyond,” writes David Ornstein.

“Chelsea’s strength in depth — allied to the 25-year-old excelling and entering what should be his prime — could further encourage admirers. If that proves the case, some big decisions might await Neto and Chelsea in 2026.”

We really don’t see a sale happening, but there’s no denying that it’s true that in recent years the Blues have been happy to sell when they can make a profit, even on important first team players like Noni Madueke or Jackson.

Could Neto be next?

In other news…

In another wing of the BlueCo mansion, they’re wondering how to keep Liam Rosenior at Strasbourg after another great result in Europe.

Despite Chelsea’s good form going into the game against Arsenal this weekend, things aren’t totally in their favour – one stats site reckons the Gunners have 5 of the 10 most in form Premier League players in their team.