People Close to £54m Chelsea Star Wanted Him to Leave During The Summer

Chelsea reportedly turned down opportunities to sell Pedro Neto during the summer transfer window despite interest from several Premier League rivals, with the club unwilling to accept anything below £100 million for the Portuguese winger.

The 26-year-old was among the players linked with a possible departure from Stamford Bridge as Chelsea completed several significant transfers, including Enzo Fernandez’s deadline-day move to Manchester City for £125 million, making him the club’s most expensive sale.

According to reports, Neto attracted interest from Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. However, no formal offers were submitted, and Chelsea’s high valuation ultimately prevented a deal from materialising. People close to the winger were reportedly keen for him to leave before the transfer window closed.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will likely be satisfied that Neto remained at the club, given his growing influence in the team. The forward has emerged as one of Chelsea’s key attacking players and has adapted well to Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system.

Neto demonstrated his importance during Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, scoring both goals to secure maximum points for the Blues.

The Portugal international has now scored four goals across all competitions this season, including three in the league, while providing one Premier League assist in seven appearances. His performances have strengthened his position within Alonso’s plans ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

Statistical figures also highlight Neto’s contribution. According to WhoScored, he averages 1.4 successful dribbles per match, ranking third among Chelsea players. His average of 1.6 key passes per league appearance also places him among the club’s five leading performers in that category.

Together with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, Neto offers Chelsea an important creative threat in the final third. His recent form suggests retaining him could prove valuable as Alonso seeks greater consistency and attacking productivity throughout the campaign.