Chelsea must use the growing anticipation regarding the return of Pedro Neto as a smokescreen to secure the heir to Eden Hazard's throne at Stamford Bridge.
The Wolves wonderkid, who has been tipped to grow into one of the Premier League's leading forwards, stole the limelight as he christened his long-anticipated return from injury with a short cameo off the bench against Leicester City.
As the fourth official tapped number seven into the electronic substitution board, Molineux let out an almighty roar and the 21-year-old took centre stage, detracting from Daniel Podence's match-winning display that likened him to Chelsea's former number ten.
Neto was given a King's welcome as his plaudits from the terraces, the TV studios and on social media raised the anchor on a summer transfer war that hands Thomas Tuchel a chance to finally sign Hazard's replacement.
Chelsea have failed to replace the 31-year-old winger since leaving the Blues in the summer of 2019 for Real Madrid, but Tuchel could plug the Belgian's void by lurking in the shadows of Neto's growing notoriety.
The Portugal international, who is valued at £31.5m as per Transfermarkt, once attracted the interest of Liverpool, Tottenham and Juventus prior to a broken kneecap injury that sidelined him for ten months, according to 90min.
So, amid the growing excitement following his return, should Neto reignite his old form and reach the heights that he's been tipped for, then the west Londoners must not jump on the bandwagon.
The hype around Neto could unlock the world champions a free run at signing Podence, who was compared to Hazard on several occasions in Wolves' 2-1 win over the Foxes, if Marina Granovskaia looked to register interest.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Premier League all-time great Robbie Keane compared the Portugal international to Hazard.
"I'm a massive fan of his. He can use his right and left feet. I honestly think there's another gear in this lad," he said.
"I think that there's a lot more to come from him. He has a little bit of Hazard about him the way he plays."
Keane added by explaining how Podence could grow into a 'brilliant' replacement for the Belgian, forecasting an exciting future for the Wolves forward.
"You'd hate to be a defender one-versus-one against him. Yes, he plays like Hazard, but his numbers need to get better," he said.
"He needs to get more goals, more assists, but in terms of quality on the ball, he's brilliant. Really good to watch. I think there's another gear in him."
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