Pedro Neto move stalls as Al Hilal emerge as leading option

Manchester City have made no progress in their interest in Chelsea winger Pedro Neto because they believe the London club’s valuation is too high, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Neto has been admired by Manchester City, but a move to the Etihad Stadium is currently considered complicated because of Chelsea’s financial demands. City have spoken to the player’s agent, although those discussions have not led to any breakthrough.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Manchester City appreciate Pedro Neto, but at the moment they feel that Chelsea’s financial valuation of the player is too high, so a move to the Etihad Stadium is complicated at the moment.”

He added: “Manchester City spoke with Pedro Neto’s agent, but there is no progress in the deal because the valuation set by Chelsea is too high.”

The 25-year-old Portugal international joined Chelsea from Wolverhampton Wanderers and remains a player of interest to Manchester City, but the current position means a move to the Premier League champions is not close.

Romano said the most likely outcome could instead involve Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, who are preparing for a change in their attacking options.

“For Pedro Neto’s future, I will monitor two solutions,” Romano said. “The first, and the most likely, could be a move to Al Hilal because the Saudi club are close to saying goodbye to Malcom.”

Malcom scored in Al Hilal’s opening-round match, but he is expected to leave the club within the next few hours to join another Saudi side, Al Ahli.

Romano added: “Malcom scored a goal in the first round with Al Hilal, but he is expected to leave in the next few hours for another Saudi club, which is Al Ahli. Therefore, Pedro Neto is definitely a target for Al Hilal.”

The potential departure of Malcom would create space for Al Hilal to strengthen their attack, with Neto now identified as a clear target. No agreement has been reported, but the Saudi club’s interest appears more significant as City’s pursuit has stalled.

Romano also mentioned Tottenham as another possible destination in the wider discussion about Malcom’s future. However, he said Tottenham’s recruitment priorities are currently focused elsewhere.

“There is another possibility for Malcom’s future involving Tottenham, but regarding Tottenham, I always repeat to you that the main target is to sign Savinho and Gakpo, as well as a recognised striker,” Romano said.

Tottenham’s plans mean Neto would not be their first choice. Instead, the Chelsea winger would only move higher up their list if the club failed to complete either of their preferred deals.

“This is Tottenham’s plan, so Pedro Neto is a backup option in case something happens with Savinho or Gakpo,” Romano said. “Pedro Neto would be an alternative, but he is not the top priority.”

For now, Manchester City’s interest remains conditional on Chelsea lowering their valuation, while Al Hilal offer Neto the clearest potential route away from Stamford Bridge.