Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao as a potential replacement for Pedro Neto this summer.
The Blues endured a turbulent Premier League campaign last season, finishing 10th after parting ways with Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
Despite concerns over Chelsea’s ability to retain key players and strengthen their squad, the club has already completed several major signings, including Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, Marco Palestra, Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Danny Welbeck.
Marc Cucurella is the most prominent regular starter to have left the club, while Chelsea have reportedly made it clear that players such as Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro are not available for transfer this summer.
Neto, however, could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal previously showing interest alongside Tottenham Hotspur.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently said Neto’s future was primarily between Tottenham and Al-Hilal, although Tottenham’s priority was Savinho.
“Pedro Neto is on Spurs’ list, but again the priority is Savinho,” Romano said. “Then Al Hilal is also a possibility. Al Hilal made contact with his agent. Al Hilal are interested in the player.”
Romano later indicated that Tottenham had moved away from Neto after closing in on Savinho, who was reportedly the preferred option of manager Roberto De Zerbi.
With Neto’s potential departure increasingly likely, Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Conceicao could emerge as Chelsea’s leading target to replace the Portugal international.
The report claims Jorge Mendes is close to helping facilitate Neto’s move to Al-Hilal and that Conceicao could subsequently become a major target for Chelsea.
Conceicao, however, is reportedly keen to remain at Juventus, where he believes he can continue his development.
Juventus could nevertheless face a difficult decision if Chelsea make a significant offer for the winger, with the Italian club potentially needing to sell a key player to maintain financial balance.
The report adds that Juventus are prepared to assess their options until the end of the transfer window, while Conceicao’s preference remains to stay in Turin.
Meanwhile, Chelsea legend John Terry has backed the Blues to make a strong start to the new Premier League season, predicting they could be top of the table after their opening five matches.
Terry pointed to the importance of momentum and confidence when discussing Chelsea’s prospects, recalling how Mourinho’s side gained belief after coming from behind to beat Burnley during the Portuguese manager’s second spell at the club.
