After welcoming Elliot Anderson for what was briefly a British record transfer fee, Manchester City are back in the market and could hand Enzo Maresca quite the reunion.
The Citizens have already been linked with a move for Malo Gusto, but now have their sights set on Pedro Neto. The Chelsea winger could be on the move this summer, especially when considering that Xabi Alonso does not operate with natural wingers.
If that is the case, then those at the Etihad could swoop in and land a rival star and their second incoming of Maresca’s first window in charge.
|
Premier League stats 25/26 |
Pedro Neto |
Savinho |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,643 |
821 |
|
Goals |
5 |
1 |
|
Assists |
6 |
1 |
|
Take-ons per 90 |
1.6 |
1.86 |
|
Touches in opposition box per 90 |
3.64 |
8.66 |
If it’s a one-in-one out policy in Man City’s frontline, then Neto could arrive to replace Savinho. The Brazilian is very much back on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar and after 821 minutes of action in the Premier League last season, he certainly needs a move.
Looking at the numbers, Neto is an interesting one. Whilst Savinho enjoyed a lot of his touches inside the area, the Chelsea man is almost a throwback winger. He sticks to the byline, drives at his man and looks to cross. It’s partly why he managed more assists than Savinho last season.
If Maresca is looking for his wingers to do that, then a reunion with the Portugal international would be wise. As for Savinho, a tactic like that would surely spell the end of his Man City career.
Man City gifted green light to sign Pedro Neto
As reported by Caught Offside, Man City have now been gifted the green light to sign Neto, with Chelsea’s board unanimously deciding that he’s no longer considered ‘untouchable’.
Maresca is set to push for a reunion with the winger, but a deal won’t come cheap. Reports elsewhere are claiming that Chelsea are using Yan Diomande’s £100m+ valuation to set their own hefty price-tag for Neto, who is likely to come at a similar price as a result.
“Pedro Neto is not entirely untouchable for Chelsea. There have been some informal discussions, internally, I should say, and they’re all on board with letting him go if City or anyone else comes in with the right offer.” – Caught Offside
Amid links with Diomande on top of Neto, it’s becoming clear that Man City are looking to sign a winger before the end of the summer.
Man City hold talks to sign Manu Kone
Before they sign a winger, however, Man City are likely to prioritise a midfielder amid concerns that Rodri could yet leave for Real Madrid. Replacing the Spaniard will be an impossible task, but that won’t stop the Citizens from trying and they’ve now got AS Roma’s Manu Kone in their sights.
The Manchester club have already held talks to sign the Frenchman and he’s keen on a Premier League move. Whether that’s enough to win the race for his signature ahead of Manchester United remains to be seen, though.