Pedro Neto fuels Chelsea exit whispers after what he did for Portugal vs Croatia - view

Pedro Neto has been linked with an exit from Chelsea this summer amid the arrival of Xabi Alonso.

The Spaniard is due to have his say on the overhaul of his squad this summer, and the winger may be sacrificed.

The 26-year-old failed to argue his case as Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 and reach the World Cup round of 16, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos cancelling out Ivan Perisic's goal to win a dramatic game.

Neto is under contract until 2031 and has been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool in recent months.

The Blues paid £54million to sign the forward from Wolves in 2024 and would surely want their money back, at least, but it remains to be seen how possible that will be.

Chelsea fans were often left frustrated by Neto this season, although he did score 10 goals and provide 10 assists across all competitions.

Portuguese media unconvinced by Pedro Neto display

Neto, at his best, is an incredibly dangerous option on the left for any team.

Chelsea's problem is that the winger has not been at this best for some time, and there are elements of his game that have begun to stick out like a sore thumb.

The 26-year-old's decision-making often leaves a lot to desire, and he can be completely anonymous if in a rut.

Portugal experienced the same issue on Friday and Neto was hooked after just over an hour on the pitch.

In that time, the former Wolves man failed to create a chance, take a shot, find his mark with a cross or complete a dribble and won just one of his duels.

Nuno Travassos, for Portuguese outlet A Bola, rated the winger a five out of 10 and wrote: "He had the opportunity to stay close to the line, on the right, but never managed to unbalance the opposition.

"He delivered a good cross that Ronaldo couldn't deflect, but his best moment was a remarkable defensive recovery, still in the first half. Insufficient to avoid the first substitution break."

Xabi Alonso could unlock Neto

While there is plenty of clamour for Neto to leave Chelsea this summer, there is also an argument that he should stay.

Alonso has a history of improving attackers, including the likes of Florian Wirtz, Amine Adli and Moussa Diaby.

Chelsea will hope the Spaniard can next work his magic with Neto, who undoubtedly has all of the physical tools to become a sensational player.

Should a sizable offer appear this summer, however, decision-makers at Stamford Bridge will certainly be tempted.