Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana has joined Enzo Maresca’s squad on their pre-season tour of Asia, potentially placing him in a convenient position for transfer discussions involving Chelsea.
Malo Gusto, Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto have all previously emerged as options for Maresca this summer.
Chelsea are also in Asia during the second leg of Xabi Alonso’s pre-season tour, while Tottenham are nearby with transfer business between the Premier League clubs still possible before the window closes.
Manchester Evening News journalist Simon Bajkowski has noted that Viana’s presence could therefore prove useful if opportunities to negotiate emerge.
Chelsea players remain options for Man City
The most recent link surrounds Neto. Sky Sports reported last week that the Chelsea winger is among the names on Manchester City’s shortlist.
Maresca knows the Portugal international from his time at Stamford Bridge, although Chelsea are not actively looking to move him on.
ReadChelsea reported that the club’s Pedro Neto transfer stance remained unchanged after the £117million signing of Morgan Rogers. A substantial offer could still force a decision, but Chelsea have not been pushing for a sale.
Gusto has also been monitored by City. Chelsea have previously valued the France international at around £75m, a figure City have shown little appetite to meet.
Fernandez would represent the biggest deal of the three. Chelsea value the Argentina international at around £120m and Xabi Alonso has publicly made clear that he wants the midfielder to remain at Stamford Bridge.
Viana travelling to Asia does not mean negotiations with Chelsea are imminent.
However, City’s sporting director being in the same region as several Premier League clubs gives him the opportunity to accelerate talks if Maresca and the recruitment team decide to act.
