Chelsea transfer news: Todd Boehly appears to be in the market for a marquee signing this summer and Neymar has emerged as a potential option
Neymar looks set to follow Lionel Messi out of Paris Saint-Germain this summer with a move to the Premier League on the cards. The Brazil international almost joined the Blues in 2010 after the club were said to have offered 'lots of money'.
"He had been on trial at Real Madrid when he was 13. Everyone wanted him at Real Madrid and they were ready to pay a lot for him. But he didn't want to be a long way from his mother and his sister."
PSG were open to selling Neymar last summer but a move to England never materialised despite Todd Boehly holding talks with Nassr Al-Khelaifi. So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest news regarding Neymar's future as Chelsea hope to finally complete their 13-year transfer mission...
Barcelona return ruled out
Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has ruled out making a move to bring Neymar back to the Catalan club. The Spaniard discussed rumours of Neymar potentially moving back to the Camp Nou this summer: "I'm surprised… he’s not in our plan.
"I really like Ney as a friend, but we have different priorities," he told JijantesFC.
Pushing for an exit
According to Brazilian publication UOL, PSG are eager to sell Neymar this summer in order to free up space on their wage bill. In fact, they're so keen to sell the Brazil international that they would be willing to accept a 'significantly' lower offer than usual.
The report adds that Neymar is aware of the French giant's decision and he's now pushing for an exit. UOL have outlined that Chelsea are joined by Manchester United and Newcastle in the race.
Physicality fears
In an interview with the Daily Mail in February 2021, Neymar vented his frustrations at the physicality in Ligue 1. He said: "I do not get to watch a lot of the Premier League, but I have heard that there's a lot of physical contact involved in the game... But the French league also has too much physical contact."
Premier League dream
Despite Neymar's fears of the physicality, he once claimed that every top player must test themselves in the Premier League. As quoted by the Mirror in 2018, the Brazilian said: "It's a big competition. One of the greatest in the world.
"We don't know how tomorrow will be, but I believe that every great player, at least one day, has to play in the Premier League. If you're playing there, then I hope you can keep enjoying the Premier League, because you deserve only the best!"
Secret meeting
Earlier this year, French outlet Le Parisien reported that Todd Boehly travelled to Paris for talks with Nasser Al-Khelaifi regarding a possible a deal for Neymar. Foot Mercato later added that the American billionaire later met with the Brazilian's entourage and has now taken the 'matter into his own hands'.