Chelsea's new owners aren't scared of putting themselves out there when it comes to signing global superstars, or at least trying to. Cristiano Ronaldo was first last summer and reports linking them to Lionel Messi followed shortly. Robert Lewandowski was looked at last summer whilst Jude Bellingham was on their shortlist for midfielders.
Despite spending over £250m in their first window the aim was still to attract a true icon of the game to Stamford Bridge. Galacticos done Todd Boehly style. It is only natural, then, that Chelsea are consistently linked with being the next destination for Neymar.
While Messi looks set to leave Paris Saint-Germain and there's only so long Kylian Mbappe can remain in what appears a toxic relationship amid an immense power struggle in the French capital, Neymar is to some extent yesterday's man. He is the longest-standing of the Harlem Globetrotters-type trio.
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It was his name that garnered most attention for what was a world record move from Barcelona at the time but he has since been overshadowed by Mbappe and Messi's arrival and the continuing political element of PSG.
He is, though, perhaps the most likely of the world's current footballing greats to join Chelsea and it might not be as crazy as first thought. With the expected arrival of Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge there is a pre-existing bond between the pair.
Neymar scored 21 times in 47 games under the Argentine, a modest record for his usual quality and rate, but did also acrue 16 assists in that time.
“It’s so easy with Neymar because you don’t need to do too much,” Pochettino said about the Brazilian forward. “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.
"Brazilian players have something special inside. They love to play football because it’s like a dance. They play like they are dancing. Ronaldinho was my teammate when I was a PSG player and now Neymar. They need to feel good, to feel happy to perform in the best way.”
There is also an existing relationship between Chelsea and PSG after the transfers of David Luiz and Thiago Silva in recent seasons, too. What is most important here is actually a deal that didn't happen.
Hakim Ziyech could quite easily be a PSG player right now after a January loan move away collapsed at the final moments whilst Chelsea were trying to secure Enzo Fernandez. Ziyech was left distraught and has since hardly featured.
The Moroccan looks set for a summer move away from SW6 regardless of the failed loan and will be seeking a permanent option. PSG, preparing for a Messi-less next season, will have room to add another left-footed attacker if they so desire.
They big issue here is whether a now fractured link between the two clubs can be used. Reports from The Athletic say that PSG officials were furious at the way Chelsea handled the final hours of the window and have been left contemplating future business.
If this is the case then Neymar would appear to be an unlikely deal but should Boehly and Co be able to re-open talks and make progress with Ziyech, then it keeps the move for Neymar on the table at least.
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