Barcelona are reportedly interested in Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as an alternative to making Marcus Rashford’s loan move permanent, with the Manchester United star having a €30m option to buy
Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Chelsea star Pedro Neto as a potential replacement for Marcus Rashford.
The Manchester United striker has spent the previous campaign on loan at the Camp Nou, with a clause to secure the transfer permanently for a sum of €30m.
Since arriving, Rashford has enjoyed a fruitful season with Barcelona, netting 10 goals and providing 13 assists across all competitions. Despite his impressive displays, Barcelona are still weighing up their choices and examining other signings.
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One of the players under consideration is the Chelsea winger, Neto. According to Spanish media reports, the Portuguese wide player features on the club’s radar as they seek to bolster their attacking arsenal.
Chelsea acquired Neto in 2024 for £54m in a transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He has since featured in 93 matches for the Blues and found the net on 19 occasions across all competitions, reports the Mirror.
Neto remains tied to the Blues until the summer of 2031. The Portuguese winger currently finds himself embroiled in controversy following a turbulent few weeks.
He has already copped a one-match FA suspension for his behaviour following his dismissal against Arsenal.
Meanwhile, he could face additional sanctions after pushing a ball boy during the midweek loss to Paris Saint-Germain, an incident for which he has issued an apology.
“I’ve watched it back and it doesn’t look good,” Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior admitted. “I understand Pedro’s perspective and his want to win, but there are ways you go about it.
“I was so impressed that he wanted to apologise straight away. We all make mistakes, it’s about learning from them and making sure they don’t happen again.”
Meanwhile, Rashford will be hoping to maintain his influence for Barcelona.
Speaking before this weekend’s encounter with Sevilla, Barca manager Hansi Flick commented: “Marcus was away for a few days and has come back strong. I haven’t decided yet, but he’s a good option [to start].”
Rashford could potentially secure the first league championship of his career at the season’s conclusion. Barcelona currently hold a four-point advantage over bitter rivals Real Madrid at the summit of the La Liga standings.