Tottenham Join Al Hilal in Race for Chelsea Star Pedro Neto

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined Al Hilal as the two leading clubs interested in signing Chelsea winger Pedro Neto this summer, with the Portugal international’s future at Stamford Bridge increasingly uncertain.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims the race for the 26-year-old could develop into a straight battle between Tottenham and the Saudi Arabian giants if Neto leaves Chelsea before the transfer window closes.

Neto arrived at Stamford Bridge from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2024 for a reported £54 million. However, despite displaying his quality on several occasions, the winger has struggled to secure a regular starting position, prompting speculation that Chelsea could consider offers for him.

For Tottenham, Neto is an appealing option as new manager Roberto De Zerbi continues his plans to transform the club’s attacking options. Spurs have finished 17th in the Premier League in each of the last two seasons and are determined to build a stronger squad capable of challenging much higher up the table.

However, Neto is not believed to be Tottenham’s primary target. Their main focus remains Manchester City winger Savinho, with Spurs reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing the Brazilian to north London.

Tottenham could even attempt to negotiate a double deal with Manchester City, with Omar Marmoush also reportedly on their radar as part of an ambitious attacking rebuild. Securing both players would underline the club’s determination to dramatically improve its forward line.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are expected to demand a significant fee for Neto. The Blues are reportedly valuing the winger at around £100 million, although Romano has suggested that his eventual asking price could be lower.

Speaking on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast, Romano identified Tottenham and Al Hilal as the two clubs currently worth watching in the race for Neto, while reiterating that Savinho remains Spurs’ preferred target.

“It’s between Spurs and Al Hilal in this moment for Pedro Neto,” Romano said.

Al Hilal have already reportedly contacted Neto’s representatives and are seriously considering a move for the former Wolves star. Their considerable financial resources could give them a major advantage if Chelsea become willing to reduce their valuation.

Manchester City also explored Neto’s situation after speaking with his agent several weeks ago. The champions viewed him as a possible alternative should Savinho depart for Tottenham, but they were reportedly unwilling to match Chelsea’s £100 million valuation.

For Tottenham, the closing weeks of the transfer window could therefore prove decisive. The club made an impressive start to its summer recruitment by bringing in several new players, although their transfer activity has slowed in recent weeks.

Adding more attacking quality is now one of De Zerbi’s biggest priorities. The Italian coach wants greater pace, creativity and goals in the final third, and the arrivals of players such as Savinho, Marmoush or Neto could significantly change Spurs’ attacking profile.

Marmoush would provide another central attacking option and could compete with Dominic Solanke and Richarlison for the striker position, while Savinho would add pace, directness and creativity on the wing.

Mohammed Kudus could also play a key role under De Zerbi after spending a large part of the second half of last season sidelined by injury. His ability to operate in several attacking positions could make him particularly valuable in a more aggressive system.

If Tottenham manage to land Savinho and Marmoush, De Zerbi could have a highly exciting attacking unit at his disposal, potentially featuring Kudus, Marmoush and Savinho as his preferred front three.

Neto, however, remains another major possibility, although Spurs will need to determine whether pursuing him makes financial sense given Chelsea’s substantial valuation.

With Al Hilal also pushing for the winger, the battle for Neto could become one of the most fascinating transfer sagas of the closing stages of the window as Tottenham continue their ambitious rebuild under De Zerbi.