Pedro Neto ‘agrees personal terms’ with Al Hilal amid Arsenal and Man City interest | OneFootball

Chelsea winger Pedro Neto is close to leaving Stamford Bridge after agreeing personal terms with Al Hilal, Sky Switzerland reports. The Riyadh club are prepared to pay about €60m, £51m.

Arsenal and Manchester City had tracked the 26-year-old through the summer. New City head coach Enzo Maresca made him a priority addition, but Al Hilal now lead the race.

Arsenal turned to Neto after a move for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior broke down. He was viewed as an option to compete with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Chelsea’s need to balance finances has increased the likelihood of a sale. While domestic suitors were told £70m earlier in the window, the Blues’ willingness to accept just over £50m reflects the market after Al Hilal’s approach.

Away from the transfer noise, Xabi Alonso, newly in charge, is preparing for the new campaign after last season’s 10th-place finish. Chelsea ended pre-season with a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad ahead of next weekend’s opener against Fulham.

Alonso called it a strong final tune-up, saying some players were making their first and only pre-season appearance and that there were positives and areas to improve, which he considered normal at this stage.

If Neto departs, Alonso must settle on a fresh starting plan. With a bloated squad, Chelsea also need to move players on quickly to keep harmony before Fulham.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”