Maresca wants a Chelsea reunion
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has reportedly placed Pedro Neto on his summer wish list.
Maresca worked with the winger at Chelsea and is said to believe he would fit neatly into his plans at the Etihad Stadium.
The Italian knows Neto’s pace, movement and ability to operate on either wing from their time together in London.
City prepare to test Chelsea
According to Mark Brus’s exclusive report for CaughtOffside, City’s interest is described as genuine and concrete.
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However, the possible deal remains at an early stage. The clubs have not entered advanced negotiations, and City have yet to submit an official offer.
An initial approach could now be made to discover whether Chelsea are genuinely prepared to sell.
Huge €80m price tag emerges
Chelsea are not actively trying to force Neto out of Stamford Bridge.
Even so, figures within the club have reportedly discussed accepting an offer in the region of €80 million.
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One source told CaughtOffside: “Pedro Neto is not entirely untouchable for Chelsea.”
That valuation is not a confirmed City bid. It is the approximate price Chelsea may demand before considering a sale.
Maresca is now calling the shots
The original draft incorrectly suggested that Maresca was advising City while Pep Guardiola remained in charge.
Maresca is Manchester City’s manager, having replaced Guardiola in June 2026 and signed a contract running until 2029.
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As confirmed in Neil Leigh’s official Manchester City announcement, this is the Italian’s third spell at the club after previously managing the academy and working as Guardiola’s assistant.
“I know this Club, I know the demands and I know the expectations,” Maresca said.
Neto delivers his best Chelsea season
Neto strengthened his reputation during the 2025–26 campaign.
The 26-year-old made 52 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and supplying 10 assists. He also finished with more assists than any other Chelsea player that season.
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As described in Chelsea’s official review of its attacking players, Neto also reached 100 appearances for the club and scored the first hat-trick of his senior career.
Chelsea face a major decision
Selling Neto would give Chelsea another large transfer fee, but it would also strengthen a direct Premier League rival.
The Portugal international has become a regular starter and can play on either side of the attack. His speed and direct running make him one of Chelsea’s most dangerous options.
City may therefore need to make an exceptional offer before the Stamford Bridge hierarchy approves a deal.
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Liverpool are also watching
Manchester City are not reportedly alone in monitoring Neto.
Liverpool have also been linked with the winger, although their interest is said to be less advanced at this stage.
A second major club entering the race could strengthen Chelsea’s negotiating position and push the eventual price higher.
City could shake up their attack
Maresca is expected to adjust City’s squad during his first summer as manager.
CaughtOffside reports that Savinho could leave, while Omar Marmoush’s future has also been questioned after a lack of regular playing time.
Neto would offer another proven Premier League winger as Maresca begins shaping the team in his own image.
No deal on the table yet
The prospect of Neto moving to Manchester is gathering attention, but the transfer remains speculative.
There is no agreement between the clubs, no confirmed personal deal with the player and no formal €80 million offer.
For now, Maresca’s admiration is clear. Whether City are prepared to turn that interest into one of the summer’s biggest deals is the key question.
