Manchester City are exploring a summer move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as a direct replacement for Savinho, but the deal hinges on one key condition: Savinho must leave before City can make a formal approach. It is a clear sign that the club are already mapping out the next attacking reshuffle at the Etihad Stadium.
Savinho has struggled to secure regular game time since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, and Tottenham Hotspur have been monitoring him for the past 12 months. They are now expected to accelerate negotiations in the coming weeks, which could open the door for Manchester City to move for Neto.
Why Pedro Neto fits the City plan
Neto’s profile makes the interest easy to understand. He joined Chelsea from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £54 million in 2024, and his future in west London now appears uncertain ahead of the upcoming campaign. Manchester City, meanwhile, are believed to see him as a like-for-like attacking option if Savinho departs.
There is also a familiar face behind the interest. Enzo Maresca is keen to reunite with Neto and has previously worked with him at Chelsea, which gives the story an added layer even if City’s move depends on the wider transfer chain.
The Savinho exit is the key
The important detail is that Manchester City must wait for Savinho's exit before making a formal approach for Pedro Neto. That makes this less of an immediate bidding battle and more of a sequence of moves, with Tottenham’s next steps likely to shape City’s timing.
Savinho’s situation has become one of the more interesting squad issues around the Premier League champions. He has not yet established himself as a regular starter, so a move away would not come as a total surprise if the right offer arrives.
For City, the logic is straightforward. If Savinho goes, they want a ready-made replacement who can fit into the same attacking rotation without forcing a wider tactical rethink. Neto has the pace, experience and Premier League background to be considered a credible option.
What happens next?
The next few weeks should tell the story. Tottenham are expected to push ahead on Savinho, while Manchester City remain on standby for Neto. If that first move happens, the second could follow quickly. If not, City may have to wait longer before turning interest into something more concrete.
