Enzo Maresca interested in reuniting with Chelsea star Pedro Neto at Man City
Ciaran McCarthy
New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has a genuine interest in reuniting with his former Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, reports Caught Offside.
Maresca has already set sights on Blues full-back Malo Gusto as well as midfielder Enzo Fernandez, and wants another Chelsea star this summer. Indeed, it's reported he has a genuine and concrete interest in reuniting with Neto.
The exit of the Portuguese winger could reportedly be possible for €80million (£68m). The club don't actively want to sell, but if the price is right, they're open to doing so.
A source reportedly told Caught Offside: “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.
"I’d expect that to be in the region of €80m. Enzo Maresca is still a big fan of his from working with him at Chelsea, so he’ll push to get him at City if he can.”
Liverpool are also believed to hold an interest in Neto - who last season scored 10 goals and assisted 10 more in all competitions - but City are said to hold the firmest interest.
Neto might not fit at Chelsea
Neto's Chelsea role might not exist next season, following the hire of boss Xabi Alonso, who plays a 3-4-2-1. The two behind the striker are expected to be Cole Palmer and £117million signing Morgan Rogers.
Alonso's recent comments on the pair of English playmakers suggest that will indeed be the case.
He said: "In that position we needed an important player and I'm sure there were not many better options than Morgan Rogers.
"You need players who can have that almost instant impact and I'm sure Morgan won't need much time to adapt to the club, the system and his team-mates.
"That was the idea, to get a top player, and Morgan is one of them.
"I have a plan. I have an idea. I can see them linking really well.
"We need to have a good mix. If we get that balance right and those special players in the right positions, with good control, then we will be more competitive with and without the ball."
That would likely mean Neto would be shunted back to a wing-back role, somewhere he has never played before.
