How Chelsea are set to line up as Pedro Neto closes in on blockbuster transfer

Chelsea are closing in on the £54million capture of Pedro Neto from Wolves.

The winger is due to make the switch from Molineux to Stamford Bridge as the Blues further bolster their forward line. Much has been made of the excessive squad size in west London and the Portugal star is set to be another body through the door.

Neto will provide another option on the flanks for Enzo Maresca, who is getting to grips with his squad after arriving from Leicester. Chelsea have continued to invest heavily in the playing group with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall following Maresca from the King Power Stadium.

Pre-season has proved to be a difficult few weeks for the new boss, who has seen his side lose the majority of their outings across the Atlantic. It has provided some hints as to how Maresca may build his team with Christopher Nkunku set to play more of a leading role.

The striker spent some of his debut season sidelined with injury, which prevented him from gaining any rhythm. The Frenchman previously excelled at RB Leipzig and was prolific before signing for the Blues - and could finally begin to deliver on his hefty fee.

Cole Palmer is one of the few nailed on starters in the Chelsea squad. The Englishman was a standout in his debut season and is poised to improve further. He will likely operate from out wide with Neto offering a threat from the opposite side.

Dewsbury-Hall was a standout for the Foxes last term and was more than comfortably when he played in the top flight before Leicester's relegation. The £200m plus investment in Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez also means they will likely get the nod in the middle of the pitch despite the presence of Romeo Lavia.

Chelsea's backline has already copped criticism from Maresca, who has bemoaned the habits they learned under Mauricio Pochettino last season. The Blues will be without Thiago Silva for the first time since 2021 and Levi Colwill could begin to establish himself at the heart of the backline.

Malo Gusto was among the brighter sparks for the west Londoners last term and may get a chance to continue whilst having a fully fit Reece James will be a huge plus for the new manager.

Chelsea's possible team: Jorgensen; Gusto, Badiashile, Colwill, James; Caicedo, Fernandez, Dewsbury-Hall; Neto, Nkunku, Palmer