Milan make Pedro Neto their priority as Chelsea set terms for summer exit

AC Milan have entered the race to sign Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, with the Portugal international emerging as a leading target for the Italian club during the summer transfer window.

Milan are understood to have identified Neto as their preferred option to strengthen their attack and as a potential replacement for Rafael Leao, should the Portugal forward leave the club during the current transfer window.

The development adds another name to the growing list of clubs interested in Neto, despite Chelsea’s preference to keep the 25-year-old at Stamford Bridge.

According to The Sun, Milan have placed Neto at the top of their attacking shortlist as they assess their options for the new season. The club are considering the winger as the most suitable candidate to succeed Leao if the latter departs.

Manchester City are also monitoring the situation. Their interest is partly linked to the admiration of Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with Neto during their time together at Chelsea and is familiar with the player’s qualities.

Chelsea have set an asking price of €70m for Neto, although the London club are not under immediate pressure to sell him this summer. That valuation could make any potential move difficult unless an interested club is prepared to meet Chelsea’s financial demands.

However, Chelsea’s recent spending could lead the club to reassess its position. The report says their significant outlay to complete the signing of Morgan Rogers may encourage them to consider a suitable offer for Neto, particularly if it reaches the €70m figure they have established.

For now, Chelsea remain reluctant to part with the winger, but Milan’s interest could increase the pressure around his future. The Italian club are actively searching for a possible successor to Leao and regard Neto as the strongest fit for that role.

Milan’s position has also been strengthened by their signing of Goncalo Ramos, described in the report as a close friend of the Portugal winger. That connection could be a factor as the club attempts to make progress in its pursuit of Neto.

The winger’s future is therefore likely to remain a focus of the summer window, with Milan and Manchester City both showing interest while Chelsea weigh the value of retaining him against the possibility of receiving an offer that matches their demands.