Enzo Maresca must make a £60m-rated assist machine compared to Leroy Sane his next signing at Chelsea.
Maresca has taken the reigns at Stamford Bridge following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure and will be plotting his transfer business ahead of the fast-approaching summer window.
Tosin Adarabioyo has already signed on a free transfer from Fulham, as Chelsea hijacked the deal from Newcastle United’s grasp.
Now, he will turn his attention towards the forward line and perhaps in the midfield.
One wide player should be at the summit of his transfer wishlist.
Chelsea should try to sign Pedro Neto
Chelsea are perhaps two to three quality additions away from bridging the gap on the top four and signing a wide player would be crucial in helping them to do so.
Wolves’ jet-heeled Pedro Neto should be a serious consideration with the West Midlanders open to selling him this summer for a fee of £60m.
The 24-year-old has endured injury struggles but still managed to record an impressive 14 goal contributions across 24 outings last term.
Maresca was big on having pace in his attack at Leicester City and used the fleet-footed Abdul Fatawu frequently on the right.
Neto could be that man for him next season.
Pedro Neto statistics
FBref data suggests Neto is of a similar profile to former Manchester City and current Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, who ripped up the Premier League during his tenure.
The Portugal international ranks in the top six per cent for progressive carries compared to his positional peers across the big five leagues.
Further, he sits in the top one per cent for assists, evincing his terrific playmaking ability – a trait Chelsea could do within the front line.
His addition would take a lot of the onus of Cole Palmer, too, giving him more license to occupy goalscoring areas rather than collecting the ball in deep areas.
If Chelsea do sign Neto, he’d be a brilliant signing for Maresca.