Chelsea ready to accept Pedro Neto offer as winner of four-team race now almost certain
Chelsea are ready to accept permanent offers for Pedro Neto in the closing stages of the transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
While the Blues are not forcing the 26-year-old out, the growing level of interest in the 26-year-old means a significant bid could tempt them to let him move on.
Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal are set to push forward in their pursuit of the winger, and will face competition for as many as three big Premier League clubs.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Al Hilal are leading Arsenal, Man City and Tottenham in the race to sign Neto.
The Saudi Pro League outfit are aiming to strengthen out wide in the closing stages of the window, and have the financial capability to agree a deal with Chelsea.
Xabi Alonso does view Neto as part of his plans for the new season, but given the depth in his squad, there is a feeling he could now be allowed to leave for the right price.
Will Chelsea accept a new offer for Pedro Neto?
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 4 August that Chelsea are prepaerd to accept "big" offers for Neto before the transfer window closes.
Man City have been widely tipped as the leading contender for his signature, but with interest growing from the Saudi Pro League, he could be tempted by the finances on offer.
With Chelsea now open to his departure, a race is set to begin for the winger's signature, with all eyes on Neto's future in the coming weeks.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Pedro Neto's future has been the subject of intense speculation this summer.
"I don't think Chelsea are actively pushing him out the door, but if a suitable offer was to arrive for Neto, they would be willing to listen to it.
"Chelsea have strengthened their midfield and wide options this summer, with Morgan Rogers coming in, you would expect that he would be a starter under Xabi Alonso.
"There was talk of interest from Arsenal in Pedro Neto as they look to bring in a left-sided attacker, and Manchester City as well are showing a lot of interest in him.
"My information is, Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League are very strong on the Portguese attacker as well, and they would be in a good position financially to do a deal.
"He is on Tottenham's list as well, but maybe not at the top of it right now. But I think if a good offer does come in for him, think Chelsea would be open to letting him move on."
What is the latest on Man City's interest in Neto?
Despite growing interest from the Saudi Pro League, Man City are being heavily tipped as a potentialy destination for Neto in the closing stages of the window.
The winger's relationship with Enzo Maresca is likely to be key to the deal, while he continues in attempts to reshape his Man City squad to match his ambitions.
Football Insider revealed on 6 August that Man City are waiting to cash in on Savinho before they make a move to sign Neto, but have identified him as their ideal replacement.
The Brazil international is now closing in on a move to Tottenham, who have been long-term admirers, and once that deal is finalised, City could make their move.
Chelsea's stance will likely come as a boost to Man City, but given the new competition for his signature, there is plenty of uncertainty about where his destination will be.