Enzo Maresca has expressed his enthusiasm regarding Chelsea’s acquisition of Pedro Neto, as the club announced the £51 million transfer (with an additional £3 million in potential add-ons) on Sunday afternoon.

Neto has agreed to an initial six-year contract at Stamford Bridge after departing Wolverhampton Wanderers, with an option for a further 12 months. The 24-year-old winger marks the Blues' tenth signing of the summer, and it is a transfer that Maresca is particularly eager about.

"I'm very excited; he can contribute in various ways," Maresca said following Chelsea's 1-1 draw against Inter Milan. "He can operate on the right flank, he can play on the left, and he's excellent in one-on-one situations.

"This gives us another option because there will be numerous matches throughout the season, so we require a large squad."

Chelsea’s draw with Inter concludes a pre-season that has been mixed in terms of results for Maresca’s side. The Blues suffered heavy defeats against Celtic and Manchester City, the latter being their opponent in next weekend's Premier League opener at Stamford Bridge.

Pep Guardiola's side secured the Community Shield on penalties against Manchester United on Saturday and will be aiming for a record-extending fifth consecutive top-flight title in the 2024/25 season. However, Maresca admitted that he has yet to finalise his plans for the match against City in a week's time.

He added: "I’m still unsure of my starting eleven. Pre-season has been very challenging, with many intense matches and travelling from one city to another.

"At last, we can begin a regular week. We have a day off tomorrow and then we’ll start preparing for the match."