Pedro Neto has passed a medical ahead of his £54m move from Wolves to Chelsea.
The deal, agreed on Friday, is divided into a £51.4m down payment and £2.6m in add-ons.
Personal terms have been agreed in principle and Neto will sign a six-year contract with an option for another year.
Manchester City and Tottenham are also interested in the Wolves winger, who will be unveiled at Stamford Bridge on Sunday when Chelsea host Inter Milan in a pre-season friendly.
Neto contributed three goals and 11 assists for Wolves last season, although he suffered two separate hamstring problems during the injury-stricken campaign that sidelined him for three months.
The Portugal international has made 10 appearances for his country and has been named in the Euro 2024 squad, where he will join Cole Palmer, Noni Maduk and Mihailo Mudric ahead of the new season. Along with Raheem Sterling, he is a wide-ranging option, although Sterling has been linked with Italian side Juventus.
Wolves winger Neto to leave for Chelsea
Neto will become Chelsea’s ninth summer signing, joining Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Philip Jorgensen, Omari Kellyman, Aaron Anselmino, Renato Vega, Caleb Wiley, Mark Giu and Tosin Adarabioyo will join Enzo Maresca in the squad for the new season.
The Blues are also set to sign Atletico Madrid striker Samou Omorodion for £34.5m, with midfielder Connor Gallagher moving in the opposite direction for £36m.
Chelsea are also interested in Celtic midfielder Matt O’Reilly as a potential replacement for Gallagher.
Why did Chelsea choose Neto?
Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz:
If Maresca intends to build his Chelsea side in the mold of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, Neto is a must-buy.
Both Guardiola and Arteta rely on “one-on-one explorers” on the flanks – Bukayo Saka, Jeremy Doku, Gabriel Martinelli and Jack Grealish come to mind Center – Even while injured at Wolves, Neto has proven to be one of the best attacking wingers in the Premier League’s individual run game.
Last season, Gary O’Neill broke free from Neto’s shackles. “Don’t take no for an answer, we go every time. Don’t care if you lose it, test him. Let’s go,” O’Neill said when asked about his personal instructions to the Portuguese winger last season.
Neto agreed. The 24-year-old was constantly involved in one-on-one battles last season, but most importantly, there was also the end result. Only Kevin De Bruyne averages more assists per 90 minutes than Neto, who is equally effective on both sides.
With Mudrick, Marduk and Sterling also capable of playing one-on-one, Chelsea look to have a host of wingers to complement the aggressive style of play Maresca wants.
A bad pre-season and 44 players – Maresca’s problems pile up
The approach to a new Premier League season often brings hope, optimism and excitement. But in Chelsea’s case, is now the time to worry?
It may only be pre-season, but just one win in five friendlies in the United States is hardly a start Maresca, who is preparing for his first season as a top-flight manager, has been searching.
The Italian has designated strong teams in these games, but his new team has conceded 12 goals. Last season’s Serie A champions Inter Milan visit Chelsea in their final pre-season game on Sunday, a daunting prospect.
After leading Leicester City to the title in his only full season as manager, Maresca Already thrown into the abyss at Stamford Bridge.
The performance was as disappointing as the result, with Chelsea attacking from the back at will, resulting in a number of goals.
Chelsea’s pre-season hasn’t been impressive
Off the field, Maresca had to reintegrate Enzo Fernandez The fan-favorite entered the Chelsea dressing room after he posted a racist video on social media gallagher The team is headed for the exits as the Blues’ sporting director continues his youth-led overhaul of the squad.
Another busy summer means Chelsea’s own website lists 44 players in their first-team squad. But if Maresca was hoping for some respite after a tumultuous pre-season, he will be disappointed – Manchester City are their opponents in their Premier League opener, live sky sports August 18th.
But who will make up the lineup against the champions? sky sports Trying to provide some clarity – you can also vote…
Read Joe Shread’s full report and have your say on Chelsea’s squad here.
When does the summer transfer window open and close?
this 2024 summer transfer window The Premier League will officially end at 11pm UK time on August 30, and the Scottish League will officially end at 11:30pm.
The Premier League has brought forward its deadline to link up with other major European leagues. The deadline was determined following discussions with leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
