Chelsea Transfer News Today: Pedro Neto latest as deal 'close'

18 Aug 2026 19:59 BST | 6 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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FootballTransfers runs through the latest Chelsea transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Pedro Neto and Axel Disasi.

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Pedro Neto latest

Chelsea winger Pedro Neto is reportedly “getting closer” to completing a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Portugal international still has five years remaining on his current contract at Stamford Bridge, but he is one of several players who could depart Xabi Alonso’s side on a permanent deal over the next two weeks amid significant transfer interest.

Al-Hilal have earmarked Neto as one of their top targets for the remainder of the summer window, while Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca is also keen to sign the 26-year-old as he prepares for the imminent sale of Savinho to Tottenham Hotspur.

Widespread reports have confirmed that Chelsea value Neto at roughly €117 million (£100m) and despite this lofty figure, Al-Hilal remain eager to finalise a deal for his signature, as confirmed by transfer reporter Nicolo Schira.

He claims that Neto is “getting closer” to completing a move to the Saudi Arabian outfit, with a lucrative long-term contract believed to be on the table.

Current ETV

Pedro Neto

F (R), M (RL)

Chelsea

Pedro Neto

F (R), M (RL)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€46.5M - €56.9M

Axel Disasi ‘close to transfer

Chelsea are running out of time to offload Axel Disasi on a permanent deal before Transfer Deadline Day, but reports suggest that a move away from the club is now “close.”

The Frenchman was expected to leave Stamford Bridge last summer, after falling out of favour under Enzo Maresca, but Chelsea were unable to reach an agreement with any interested parties and he was left in limbo until January.

Disasi failed to make a single appearance in a Chelsea matchday squad during the first half of last season and he eventually completed a loan move to West Ham United in the winter transfer window.

The Athletic now report that Disasi is “close” to joining an unnamed Premier League club, but the Blues may reportedly be forced to accept another loan move despite their desire to offload the ex-France international on a permanent deal before the summer window closes.

Liam Delap ‘open’ to Newcastle move

Liam Delap is ‘open’ to joining Newcastle United this summer amid reported interest from the Magpies.

That is according to Football Insider, who claim that Delap isn’t concerned by the competition he would face from Yoane Wissa, William Osula and Nick Woltemade at St James’ Park.

However, Newcastle aren’t the only club interested in signing the Englishman, with Everton and Nottingham Forest also keeping tabs on his situation at Chelsea.

Emmanuel Emegha to stay

Chelsea have agreed to keep Emmanuel Emegha at the club this season, with that decision all but confirming Nicolas Jackson’s departure on a permanent deal.

The Blues agreed a deal to sign Emegha from Strasbourg last September and he formally joined the club for a fee worth around €25 million in July following an injury-hit final season in France.

The 23-year-old’s injury troubles have continued at Stamford Bridge and after impressing in behind-closed-doors friendlies against Crawley Town and Bromley, scoring in both matches, he missed the entirety of Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Australia and Asia after picking up a hamstring strain.

The Dutchman has now returned to first-team training and The Athletic have confirmed that he will be part of Chelsea’s squad this season, despite previous rumours suggesting that he could be sent out on loan or even sold.

As a result of this decision, Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck and Emegha are expected to form Chelsea’s striker unit for the 2026-27 campaign, with the Blues set to intensify talks to sell Liam Delap, Marc Guiu, David Datro Fofana, Deivid Washington and Jackson before Transfer Deadline Day on 1 September.

Paul Scholes on Robert Sanchez

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has urged Xabi Alonso to pursue a new goalkeeper before the end of the transfer window due to his concerns over Robert Sanchez.

“I think the goalkeeper is still a problem for Chelsea,” Scholes admitted on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“If I was them, I would have a look at the Aston Villa goalkeeper [Emiliano Martinez] because his move to Juventus has just fallen through. I think he would be a good signing for Chelsea.”

Jamie Gittens set to stay

Jamie Gittens is poised to stay at Chelsea after main suitor Roma decided to pursue other targets, according to reports.

Fabrizio Romano understands Serie A side Roma have reached a verbal agreement with Porto over a €25million (£21.3m) deal to sign Rodrigo Mora. The transfer insider claims the Italian outfit are also in talks with Lyon over a move for Malick Fofana, having already agreed personal terms with the winger.

The news comes after Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reported Roma were considering a move for Chelsea attacker Gittens.