Chelsea distance themselves from reports linking them with Neymar

Chelsea have distanced themselves from reports suggesting that they are in talks to sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

The Brazil international is keen to leave PSG before the end of the summer transfer window, with reports in France claiming that a return to Barcelona is Neymar’s preferred destination. However, Barcelona are prioritising other signings including Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Neymar, with RMC Sport reporting on Monday that the Premier League club have remained in contact with the forward’s representatives. However, The Guardian reports that Chelsea insiders have dismissed suggestions that the club will make an attempt to sign Neymar this summer.

Neymar’s Relationship with Mauricio Pochettino

Neymar’s link with Chelsea was also fuelled by his positive relationship with Mauricio Pochettino, who took charge at Stamford Bridge at the start of July.

‘It’s so easy with Neymar because you don’t need to do too much,’ Pochettino said of Neymar in 2021. ‘From day one, he’s been very open to work. He’s very humble, he listens and always accepts all the instructions in a very good way.’

PSG Open to Selling Neymar

Meanwhile, The Times report that PSG are open to selling Neymar and would accept a transfer fee between £60 million and £70m for the 31-year-old.

A likely destination for Neymar could be the Saudi Pro League, which has already seen the arrivals of Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez this summer.

Conclusion

It appears that Chelsea have no intention of signing Neymar this summer, despite reports linking them with the Brazilian forward. PSG are open to selling Neymar and would accept a transfer fee between £60 million and £70m for the 31-year-old. The Saudi Pro League is a likely destination for Neymar, as it has already seen the arrivals of several big-name players this summer.