Despite Manchester City having a quiet summer transfer window, they would have drawn up a list of players they could potentially target during this period.
After all, top clubs like City would especially wish to keep their options open if they come across a brilliant market opportunity.
For instance, in the summer of 2022, the Sky Blues seemingly jumped at the chance to sign Manuel Akanji for £15 million.
The decision has proved to be a masterstroke, as Akanji is already one of the club’s best bargain signings in recent memory.
As Atletico Madrid look set to sign Julian Alvarez, The Telegraph reported that Pedro Neto as a potential replacement for the Argentine by Manchester City.
However, Chelsea made the 24-year-old’s signing official for a £54 million (BBC Sport) fee by unveiling him at Stamford Bridge during their pre-season friendly against Inter Milan at half-time.
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In May, it was claimed that Wolves were demanding the Premier League winners to pay £60 million to sign Neto.
However, Pep Guardiola’s side seemingly decided not to pursue the Portuguese international’s signature for a significant chunk of the transfer window.
But Fabrizio Romano claimed last week that City were eyeing a winger to replace Alvarez instead of a natural number nine.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has added fuel to such a revelation by stating that Manchester City “made a late approach” to sign Neto.
Manchester City did not need to sign Pedro Neto in any case
Even if Manchester City were interested in signing Neto, at the end of the day, it can be argued that they did not need to sign a player like him in any case.
With the likes of Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Oscar Bobb and Jack Grealish at their disposal, the Sky Blues did not need to sign yet another winger.
As a result, City should not be overly concerned about a move for Neto failing to materialise.
Especially considering he joined Chelsea, who are not expected to contend with City for the league title in the upcoming season.
