Paris Saint-Germain wantaway forward Neymar could be on his way to Chelsea after his advisers reportedly continue to hold talks with the Blues over a sensational move, according to reports.
Neymar has informed the Ligue 1 champions that he wants to leave this summer and becomes the latest high-profile superstar to give the club another transfer conundrum with Kylian Mbappe’s future also unresolved.
The Brazilian superstar joined PSG in a world record £198million move from Barcelona in 2017 and is now keen to secure an immediate exit before the European transfer window closes.
Chelsea have previously sounded out a potential deal for Neymar and could be the most suitable next destination as discussions continue between the player and the club, as reported by RMC Sport.
Neymar’s extortionate salary at the Parisian side has priced a host of clubs out of the running for his signature, but Chelsea’s Premier League status and financial backing means they could offer him a way out.
Neymar’s entourage has reportedly been in conversation with Chelsea over a transfer
The Brazilian (left) has informed PSG of his desire to leave the club during the summer transfer window
However, it is understood that the Stamford Bridge outfit are in the middle of restructuring player salaries and want to bring in a lower ceiling for top earners.
Sweeping changes under co-owner Todd Boehly means a tiered wage initiative is being explored and that could mean a transfer for the Brazilian flair player is unlikely.
Neymar currently has two years remaining on his PSG deal with the option of a further year after agreeing a new contract in 2021.
There was talk at the time of that deal that the 31-year-old was angling for a move back to Barcelona before signing a deal worth £26million-per-season.
Explaining the reasons behind extending his stay in Paris, Neymar said: ‘I have already said that I am happy here and I feel much better than in the previous seasons.
‘There are some aspects that I have improved here. I also went through difficult times with things that people know about. I have always worked hard and have always been professional, contrary to what some people believe.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen to continue to reinforce his squad ahead of the new season
Pochettino (left) and Neymar (right) have previously worked together at PSG
‘PSG have grown a lot, the club is more respected. When people talk about PSG, they know that we are in the last four, five or six teams in the Champions League.’
But the Champions League ambitions that he was brought to the club to make a reality haven’t materialised amid a host of on and off-field issues.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino previously got the best out of Neymar during their time together at PSG before the Argentinian coach was fired, and would be a familiar face to the star.
A Brazilian side have also expressed interest but the player reportedly prefers to stay in a competitive league within Europe.
