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Chelsea winger Pedro Neto is reportedly edging towards a surprise departure from Stamford Bridge after agreeing personal terms with Saudi Pro League heavyweights Al-Hilal. The Portugal international has been strongly linked with clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester City, but a switch to the Middle East now looks the most probable outcome.

Saudi Pro League move appears likely for Neto

The 26-year-old wide player has been at the centre of transfer speculation throughout the summer window, with a number of top-level clubs keen to sign him. New Man City boss Enzo Maresca had reportedly marked the Portugal international as a key target to strengthen his attacking options at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the direction of the deal has changed significantly, with Al-Hilal now emerging as the leading contenders for his signature. Reports from Sky Switzerland claim that Neto has already given the green light to the move to Al-Hilal, with the Riyadh-based side ready to pay a fee in the region of €60m (£51m).

City and Arsenal frustrated in pursuit

Arsenal were also among the main clubs chasing Neto, as Mikel Arteta looks to add greater depth in the wide positions. The Gunners shifted their focus to the Chelsea winger after a move for Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior did not materialise, seeing the Portuguese attacker as an ideal option to challenge Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

The interest from Arsenal and City underlines Neto's reputation as one of the Premier League's most dangerous wide players when fully fit. In spite of his value to the side, Chelsea's need to balance their finances after another spell of major spending has made an exit increasingly possible.

Alonso prepares for life without Neto

While the transfer speculation continues to dominate attention, Xabi Alonso is focused on getting his squad ready for the new campaign. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder has taken charge at Stamford Bridge after the club's disappointing 10th-place finish last season. Alonso watched his team wrap up their pre-season programme with a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad, a result that offered some encouragement before their Premier League opener against Fulham next weekend.

Looking back on the final friendly, Alonso pointed to the progress his players had made during the brief pre-season period. "It was a very good last preparation game," Alonso said after Chelsea ended pre-season with victory over Sociedad. "For some players it was the first one and the last one. For us, there were some good things, some things we can improve. It’s normal at this moment for some players."

Financial implications and squad rotation

Chelsea's readiness to accept a fee a little above £50m reflects a practical approach in a difficult market. Although earlier reports suggested the club wanted £70m from their domestic rivals for the winger, the emergence of Al-Hilal as a genuine bidder has altered the situation.

Neto's possible departure leaves Alonso facing important calls over his starting eleven. The Blues have an oversized squad after their recent transfer business, and moving on established players is seen as necessary to maintain balance within the group. With the Fulham match drawing closer, the main focus in west London will be on whether Chelsea can complete these outgoing deals quickly.