Chelsea will demand a ‘very large bid’ to sell Pedro Neto after Arsenal made an approach for the winger.
The Premier League champions have been linked with a move for Neto after missing out on top target Vinicius Junior.
Arsenal were growing confident of completing a stunning move for Vinicius but the Brazil icon ended his contract dispute with Real Madrid to sign a new deal at the Bernabeu.
Despite missing out on Vinicius, Mikel Arteta remains interested in signing a new winger after selling Leandro Trossard earlier in the summer.
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Arsenal are also open to offers for fellow winger Gabriel Martinelli, who has attracted interest from fellow European clubs.
Arteta did welcome Greece international Christos Tzolis to the Emirates Stadium but is expected to sign another winger, especially if Martinelli ends his long spell in north London.
Arsenal have been long-term admirers of Neto, who has made 103 appearances for Chelsea since his £54m move from Wolves in 2024.
According to The Athletic, Neto was left off of Chelsea’s ‘untouchable’ list going into the summer transfer window but is still a ‘highly regarded member of the squad’.
As a result it will take a ‘very large bid’ for Chelsea to consider selling Neto so close to the start of the new Premier League season.
It was reported last week that Chelsea would demand £70m for the Portuguese winger, who has also attracted interest from Manchester City.
Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere has urged the Gunners to look at cheaper options after missing out on Vinicius and named Chelsea’s Neto as a ‘great option’.
‘I just think: Yes, we’re champions, yes, we’ve made a lot of money. But at some point, you’ve got to balance the books as well,’ Aliadiere told Metro via Football Betting.
‘When you think about the money that Arsenal already spent after Guimaraes’ arrival, what we’ve spent last year, plus we’ve only had Trossard leaving for money.
‘Only the club will know financially where they are, but will they be able to go and spend 150 million on a new winger, or is it maybe financially more reasonable to go for a lower option?’
Aliadiere continued: ‘Pedro Neto could be a great option. He’s played in the Premier League for many years, is established, knows the league, a very, very good player.
‘And don’t forget, we’ve already signed a left winger with Christos Tzolis. He’s a left winger, so you’re just adding top talent.
‘We’ve spent 40million. ‘You can’t just spend 40 million and then just stick him on the bench and never play him. So I think you’ve got to keep every option open and see what is best financially for the club.’
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