Chelsea want close to £100 million to sell winger Pedro Neto from Stamford Bridge this summer amid growing transfer interest from Saudi club Al Hilal.
Sources inside the Stamford Bridge club told Daily Mail Sport that no formal bids have yet landed for the 26-year-old Portuguese international, but senior figures remain fully aware of external appreciation for his services.
Speculation surrounding a move to the Saudi Pro League has intensified this week following reports that Al Hilal have privately agreed personal terms with the player. Representatives for Neto have not responded to a request for comment regarding those claims.
Chelsea have not been actively marketing Neto for sale this summer, and Stamford Bridge sources insist he remains highly appreciated internally. That internal standing is reflected in their lofty valuation for the winger, who only signed from Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers for £54 million in 2024.
Blues decision-makers view wingers as a highly sought-after commodity in the current transfer market after tracking several high-profile deals across Europe. Chelsea noted Yan Diomande joining Spanish giants Real Madrid from German side RB Leipzig for a fee worth up to £120 million. Meanwhile, French champions Paris Saint-Germain have valued Bradley Barcola at north of £100 million following interest from Liverpool.
Pre-season role under Xabi Alonso
Neto started in Chelsea's final pre-season friendly at home against Spanish side Real Sociedad on Saturday. Manager Xabi Alonso deployed the Portuguese star in an unaccustomed right wing-back role, where he impressed spectators before being substituted for young attacker Estevao after 76 minutes.
Sanctioning a sale for Neto at this stage of the window would force Chelsea to seek alternative attacking options in the market. The club leadership would face significant time pressure, with a little more than two weeks remaining to add reinforcements to their frontline before the summer deadline.
Squad overhaul and player sales
Chelsea, who play in the English Premier League at Stamford Bridge in West London, are preparing for their first campaign under new manager Xabi Alonso. Al Hilal, based in Riyadh, are one of the most successful clubs in the Saudi Pro League and have invested heavily in marquee European talent.
The West London club have focused heavily on player sales after completing several major incoming transfers earlier in the window. Chelsea have already brought in six new players to strengthen Alonso's squad, signing Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Pep Chavarria, Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.
Potential departures and player valuations
Alongside Neto, Chelsea are considering proposals for several other first-team squad members. Stamford Bridge sources say the club value striker Liam Delap at £50 million for a permanent transfer. Chelsea signed Delap from Ipswich last year by triggering his £30 million release clause. While Delap maintains admirers across the league, it remains to be seen whether any club will meet Chelsea's asking price.
Interest also surrounds defender Tosin Adarabioyo, with several Premier League clubs and Portuguese side Benfica monitoring his situation. Benfica are currently managed by Marco Silva, though Chelsea's asking price for Adarabioyo has not yet been publicly disclosed. Meanwhile, forward Nicolas Jackson is available for potential suitors for around £65 million.
