Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Savinho may have just got even harder on the back of the latest updates coming from Chelsea.
Tottenham continue to be locked in talks with Man City over a deal for Savinho, but there is no sign that a deal is close to being completed.
According to various reports, Man City want to sign a replacement first before greenlighting the Brazilian’s move to Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Over recent days, it has emerged City have identified Pedro Neto as a potential replacement for Savinho, and the hope at the North London club is that the Brazilian will be let go if Enzo Maresca’s men can secure the Portugal international.
Savinho problem for Tottenham as Pedro Neto competition intensifies
Journalist Simon Phillips has now revealed that a deal for the Portuguese star will be far from easy for the Manchester club to complete.
He explained that Neto is valued by Chelsea at around £70m-£75m, and added that Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested in landing the Portugal international.
Phillips said on his YouTube channel: “I mentioned Neto a moment ago. Neto, obviously, has been playing since he arrived on the tour. He has got a lot of clubs interested in him, and he’s, again, he’s not a player who’s looking to leave necessarily, but he’s certainly been open to the interest coming in for him and seeing what offers he gets.
“Chelsea would sell him if the money’s right. I believe similar sort of money that they are asking for Malo Gusto, which is reportedly around £70-£75m. I don’t think Neto’s quite that much, but it will be around that sort of ballpoint [sic] figure. So, they would definitely sell if a club pays the money.
“I wouldn’t say he’s on the sort of fire sale or fire loan list that Chelsea are going to be working through the next three years, but he’s certainly a player they would sell, and it’s one to watch.” And he’s got interest from Tottenham, Liverpool are interested in him, Manchester City, which has been public, I have heard from a source over the weekend that Arsenal are also interested in Neto.
“I don’t believe it’s anything like they are prioritising or anything like that, but they are definitely a club who are showing interest in Neto as well, and Neto is appealed by all this interest coming in. Alonso is more than happy to keep Neto in his squad, as he is with Tosin.”
Man City sending worrying signs regarding Savinho
To make matters worse for Tottenham, Savinho started and played 82 minutes for City against Atletico Madrid on Sunday in South Korea.
The fact that the 22-year-old continues to be heavily involved in City’s pre-season plans suggests that a move to N17 is far from close.
However, Maresca has refused to back Savinho to stay at the Etihad Stadium, instead stating that ‘anything can happen’ when asked about the winger’s future.