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Chelsea head voach Enzo Maresca has expressed his delight after his side completed the signing of Portuguese winger Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The signing was confirmed as the Blues rounded up their pre-season with a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (August 11).
Maresca was vocal about the need for a coach to be involved in the selection of players to be signed to avoid working with misfits. The Italian tactician spoke after the Inter game about the addition of Neto, who greeted the Stamford Bridge faithful at half-time.
Maresca hailed Neto as a different profile due to his versatility in attack, as well as his ability to take on his man. The Chelsea boss hailed his new addition as another option in his squad as he prepares to challenge on multiple fronts, including the UEFA Europa Conference League.
"I’m very excited, he can offer many things. He can play on the right side, he can play on the left side. He’s very good one-on-one. It is one more option we have because there will be many, many games in the season, so we need a big squad."
Neto began his career at Braga before moving to Lazio in 2017, where he spent two years on loan. He moved to Wolves in 2019 and spent five years, amassing 135 appearances with 14 goals and 24 assists.
Chelsea have been active in the transfer market this summer, with the signing of Neto taking them up to nine first-team additions . The 24-year-old Portuguese forward cost the side a reported £54 million, signing a seven-year deal.
Chelsea defender Caleb Wiley completes loan switch to Strasbourg
Chelsea defender Caleb Wiley has completed a season-long loan move to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg. The USMNT international was part of the USA U-23 side that participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer.
Wiley joined the Blues this summer from MLS outfit Atlanta United, costing over £8 million. The 19-year-old left-back has played for his country at the senior level and becomes the second player to join Strasbourg on loan from the Blues this season.
With multiple additions, the focus at Chelsea now will be on outgoings. The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja have been earmarked for exits before the end of the month.
