Arsenal had been monitoring Pedro Neto for a number of years but decided to step back from his pursuit allowing Chelsea to sign the talented forward from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £54 million. This decision was heavily influenced by Mikel Arteta’s concerns regarding Neto’s injury history.
Arsenal had been tracking Pedro Neto for several years, recognizing his potential and the impact he could bring to their squad. The Portuguese winger, known for his speed and versatility, had been a standout performer at Wolves, despite facing several injury setbacks during his tenure.
Mikel Arteta’s biggest concern was Neto’s injury record. The 24-year-old had endured multiple injuries, which raised doubts about his ability to maintain consistent performance levels and stay fit throughout a demanding Premier League season. This anxiety ultimately led Arteta to reconsider the pursuit, prioritizing the long-term stability and fitness of his squad. A report by ESPN has revealed that the manager of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, reconsidered his interest in Neto due to concerns about the player’s injury record.
Neto’s injury history has led Manchester United legend Roy Keane to express doubts about the Portugal international’s potential success at Stamford Bridge. During a discussion on The Overlap, when former Arsenal striker Ian Wright suggested that Neto could be a standout signing of the summer, Keane vehemently disagreed, stating, “No! He’s always injured! F*** sake. He’s like [Luke] Shaw. He’ll add to the chaos. He’s going to add to the chaos. He will run everywhere and then spend six months on the treatment table with a hamstring injury.”
Chelsea, on the other hand, saw an opportunity and moved swiftly to secure Neto’s signature. The Blues, under new manager Enzo Maresca, were keen to bolster their attacking options and viewed Neto as a valuable addition to their squad. Neto’s ability to play across the front line made him an attractive prospect for Chelsea, who are aiming to climb back to the top of the Premier League.
Upon signing with Chelsea, Neto expressed his excitement and ambition to contribute to the club’s success. He highlighted his eagerness to meet his new teammates and work towards achieving great things with the team. Neto’s versatility and work ethic are expected to be significant assets for Chelsea as they aim to compete on multiple fronts in the upcoming season.
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