Pedro Neto offered to Al Hilal as Chelsea weigh transfer stance

Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has been offered to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal this summer, but there is no clarity yet on whether the player or his club are willing to sanction a move, according to reports.

Sports Mole reports that prominent agent Jorge Mendes has proposed Neto to Al Hilal as the Riyadh club look to strengthen again after finishing runners-up in the league last season.

The report says no formal agreement is in place and stresses that both Chelsea’s position and the player’s own willingness to join the Saudi side remain uncertain at this stage.

Chelsea’s valuation and form concerns

Chelsea are not believed to have set a public asking price for the Portugal international, but the report indicates the club’s owners would be likely to demand a fee exceeding the £54m they paid to sign him from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2024.

Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Neto has made 103 appearances in all competitions, scoring 19 goals and providing 19 assists. However, only 21 of those goal contributions have come in the Premier League.

Despite those numbers, the report characterises Neto’s performances as inconsistent, suggesting he has struggled with decision-making in several matches and has not had the expected impact in major fixtures relative to his transfer fee.

Alonso’s plans and competition for places

Neto’s prospects of securing a regular starting place under new head coach Xabi Alonso at the start of the upcoming campaign are described as limited.

The report notes that his late return from World Cup duty could count against him in pre-season preparations, while it is also suggested that Alonso’s tactical approach does not fully align with the winger’s skill set.

Even if Neto were to depart, Chelsea are said to feel well covered in attacking areas. The report lists Estevao, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Geovanni Quenda, Nicolas Jackson and Jamie Gittens as players capable of operating in wide positions for the London club.

Financial considerations and Al Hilal’s plans

Chelsea’s hierarchy would seriously consider a sale if an offer close to Neto’s original transfer cost arrives, the report adds. Any such decision would be influenced by the club’s need to comply with financial fair play regulations and maintain a balanced budget in the current transfer window.

Al Hilal, meanwhile, have already completed a high-profile attacking signing this week, finalising a big-money deal for West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville.

Despite that addition, the Saudi club are reported to be continuing their search for further offensive reinforcements as they attempt to go one step further after finishing second in last season’s league campaign.

No timeframe has been suggested for a possible Neto deal, and there is no indication yet of whether Al Hilal will follow up Mendes’ proposal with a formal bid to Chelsea.