There’s been widespread reports in the media across the last two days suggesting Chelsea are about to make a statement signing.
Wolverhampton Wanderers ace Pedro Neto, 24, is tipped to complete a move to Stamford Bridge imminently.
Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed via X that Neto has completed his Chelsea medical and signed a six-year deal. Next, his transfer will be officially confirmed before he’s presented to fans on Sunday when the Blues host Inter Milan in their final pre-season match this summer.
Paul Merson has tipped Neto to be crucial for Chelsea, providing he can keep himself fit.
The Portuguese winger has the versatility to play anywhere across the attack, so it’ll be interesting to see where Blues head coach Enzo Maresca prefers to use him.
Below is a look at three different ways that the Chelsea frontline could look with Neto in it next season. Incidentally, they all look pretty devastating.
Chelsea attack with Pedro Neto
Option A) Palmer-Jackson-Neto
First up, this is a Chelsea front three that is full of flair and skill.
Neto is starting on the left wing, something he’s done lots in his Wolves career. Meanwhile, Cole Palmer starts on the right flank but with the freedom to drift infield.
Nicolas Jackson then leads the line as the No 9 as he looks build upon a decent debut season with the Blues last year, where he scored 17 goals across all competitions.
On paper, this does look like a well-balanced frontline that could work within Maresca’s system. Neto provides the width from the left as an out-and-out winger, while Palmer drifts infield to join up play.
It’ll be interesting to see whether Palmer plays on the right next season, or does his future lie a bit deeper in a No 10 position?
- READ MORE: Enzo Maresca shares what really impressed him about Cole Palmer when coaching him at Manchester City
Option B) Neto-Jackson-Sterling
This second formula sticks with Jackson leading the line again. Speaking via Football.London earlier this month, Maresca insisted he views Jackson as a central striker.
In this line-up, Neto shifts across to operate as the right-winger, which again is a role he’s familiar with. The incoming Chelsea signing is brilliant one-on-one and is fantastic cutting infield on his stronger left foot.
It makes room for Raheem Sterling to enter the starting XI on the left flank, with his experience potentially so valuable in such a young squad. For those wondering why Palmer doesn’t feature here, he’d just be a bit deeper at the point of a midfield three.
The sheer pace of a Neto-Jackson-Sterling attack could be quite a frightening prospect for any defence.
Option C) Madueke-Nkunku-Neto
Finally, this is an attack that rewards those that impressed for Chelsea in pre-season.
Neto shifts back over to the left wing in this scenario, but he’s joined by Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke in the line-up, who’ve scored three goals each in friendly games this summer.
In terms of Nkunku, a lot of his football in pre-season has been a bit deeper as an advanced midfielder. There’s been times where he’s played as the No 9 and he’s definitely an option to spearhead the attack, though. If Maresca wants Palmer as a No 10, perhaps Nkunku at striker makes the most sense.
Meanwhile, Madueke should be right in the conversation to start the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign due to his pre-season form.
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