Chelsea target Neymar is reportedly open to moving to England as the Paris Saint-Germain star does an unexpected U-turn in his Premier League stance as Todd Boehly plots an ambitious swoop to help move on from Ousmane Dembélé and Raphinha blows.
The Blues are still planning how they will be splitting the £200million plus transfer budget that new owner Boehly has allocated for manager Thomas Tuchel. A large majority of the transfer war chest is expected to be spent on the defensive re-shuffle that needs to take place this summer following the exits of Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen. Both Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpiicueta could follow suit very soon amid Barcelona speculation.
Further up the pitch, Romelu Lukaku's early Inter Milan return coupled with potential exits for Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic means that significant funds are needed to reform an attack that Kai Havertz is currently expected to spearhead next season.
READ MORE: Neymar's previous Cristiano Ronaldo verdict hands Chelsea owner Todd Boehly £95m PSG warning
Man City's Raheem Sterling is expected to join the German in the attack this season with a move expected to be confirmed this week for the Three Lions international. Elsewhere, one of Ousmane Dembélé or Raphinha were touted to join too but a certain £177m economic lever has meant that Barcelona have seemingly inflicted double misery on the current World Champions.
Where do Chelsea go next in their hunt for attacking reinforcements?
Step up Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo. The latter has reportedly told the Red Devils his intentions to leave this summer for a club with Champions League football and the Blues have been 'labelled' the early favourites to complete a swoop for the 37-year-old. Man United's reluctance to lose CR7 to a direct rival though may mean this deal would be a no-go for Chelsea but PSG's stance on their star player is certainly a lot more looser.
New Sporting director Luis Campos is reportedly hoping to get Neymar off the books as the Parisians look for a major structural change under Christophe Galtier as a review into the club could mean changes on the pitch. The Brazilian, who has reportedly seen his deal at PSG extended until 2027 due to a clause in his contract, is viewed as surplus to requirements now at the Parc de Prince and a new challenge could be on the horizon for the 30-year-old.
It is understood that a loan deal whereby PSG pay a large chunk of his hefty wages is one way in which a possible transfer abroad could come to fruition. But would Tuchel want this? According to The Evening Standard, the Blues boss is cautious about being 'seduced by star power' meaning moves for Neymar and Ronaldo may take some time to be given the green light on his end.
However, despite the iconic number 10 previously admitting that he hasn't wanted to play in the Premier League during his career, he has seemingly done a U-turn on this promise and stance as the same report adds that he is now open to a potential move to England's top division. "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...," Neymar had been quoted saying back in 2021.
"But the French league also has too much physical contact!"
Chelsea fans - How much would do you think Neymar is worth in the current market and would you take the risk on signing him this summer? Leave your thoughts down below in the comment section!
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