Pedro Neto to Chelsea transfer solves Enzo Maresca problem ...

Pedro Neto could solve one of Enzo Maresca's biggest problems ahead of Chelsea's clash against Manchester City on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season. The 24-year-old winger has suddenly emerged as a target for the Blues, with Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk struggling to impress.

football.london understands that Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Neto from Wolves. The west Londoners will pay €60m (£51.4m) plus €3m (£2.6m) in add-ons, with the Portugal international expected to undergo a medical shortly.

Neto, who sees his contract at Molineux expire in June 2027, has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the past, but now he looks set to join Maresca's side. So, with that being said, football.london have looked at how Chelsea could set up if they can secure his signature.

Filip Jorgensen has been identified as somebody who can help Maresca structure the west Londoners' build-up play. When the Italian was named Leicester City head coach last summer, he quickly signed a new shot-stopper to catalyse his strict possession-based tactics.

Just as Chelsea have done in pre-season, the Foxes played out from the back at every opportunity. While Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez showed glimpses of promise between the sticks last term, they failed to take Chelsea's backline to the next level.

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Despite Malo Gusto filling in at left-back in pre-season, Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga are expected to feature for Chelsea. Like many of the top managers in the Premier League, Maresca wants to overload his midfield with an inverted full-back to dominate possession.

Unfortunately for Ben Chilwell, he doesn't suit this role, casting doubt over his future. Speaking to reporters ahead of Chelsea's first pre-season clash, Maresca was quizzed on his philosophy and how he plans to set up this season. Interestingly, the 44-year-old overlooked Chilwell as an option.

At left centre-back is Levi Colwill. The 21-year-old defender enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough campaign in this position for Brighton a couple of years ago, but unfortunately, his progress was stunted by Mauricio Pochettino, who often utilised him as a full-back.

Not only does Colwill have an excellent passing range and great composure on the ball, but he also has a great physical profile. Standing at 6ft 2in, the England international will be expected to win numerous duels against the top strikers in the Premier League.

Ultimately, Maresca has a wealth of options at centre-half, with Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana all battling for a place at right centre-back. While the latter may eventually force himself into the starting lineup, the former has regularly featured in pre-season and offers great leadership qualities.

At right-back, Maresca has two top options – Reece James and Malo Gusto. With the Italian eager to invert one of his two full-backs, the Chelsea captain presents himself as a really exciting option due to his experience in the middle of the park.

In the middle of the park, Romeo Lavia appears to have cemented his place in the number six role. In the two eights, Maresca as operated, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and even Christopher Nkunku – albeit slightly further forward, almost as a number 10.

With Neto in the frontline, the Chelsea boss will be hoping his midfielders can thread the Portuguese ace in behind opposition backlines. This makes Fernandez a tremendously valuable asset.

While Neto enjoyed lots of success on the right for Wolves last season, Chelsea already have top great options in Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke. Fortunately, a role on the opposite flank is not foreign to the Portuguese winger.

It must also be said that Neto is left-footed – unlike Sterling and Mudryk – which provides the Blues with a new dimension to their frontline.

On the right, Palmer will be expected to pick up from where he left last season. However, Madueke has impressed so far in pre-season, so the former Manchester City playmaker could be shifted inside against his old club!

Up top is Nicolas Jackson. While Marc Guiu has exceeded expectations in pre-season, scoring one and setting up another, the Senegal international will be expected to lead the frontline this term. Samu Omorodion has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, but it remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea will sign the youngster.

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