Neymar's previous Cristiano Ronaldo admission could spell bad news for Chelsea and Todd Boehly as they look to react quickly to Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha transfer blows.
Chelsea's attacking rebuild was starting to take some shape with Raheem Sterling's imminent arrival expected to be followed by one of Dembele or Raphinha. However, in a cruel twist of fate, Barcelona's first economic lever being activated has seemingly breathed new life into the club and this has made it possible for them not only to hijack Chelsea's deal for the Leeds United winger but also ruin their Dembele plans at the same time.
The 25-year-old became a free agent on July 1 as a new contract couldn't be agreed between Barca and his agent Moussa Sissoko but Xavi's side now have greater economic power with the fact that they can offer the Frenchman an improved offer, but on their terms, should they wish to do so.
Barca's No. 7 has seemingly caved in to these demands and could even be about to take a pay cut in the process if the latest reports are to be believed. Despite the expected arrival of Manchester City forward Sterling, it is understood that manager Thomas Tuchel wants more attackers to compensate for the fact that Romelu Lukaku has already left and the likes of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and potentially Christian Pulisic could all follow suit.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly told why Chelsea should sign Cristiano Ronaldo amid honest Mohamed Salah admission
So, where could Chelsea go next? Step up Neymar and Ronaldo. On the former of the pair, Luis Campos is willing to try and cash in on a player whose wages means he is basically unaffordable to most teams in world football. However, the Parisians' willingness to pay some of his astronomical wages on a potential loan deal has brought the Blues and a few others into the equation.
Amid reports that the Brazilian has extended his contract at the Parc des Princes, news that hasn't been confirmed as of yet, Chelsea have reportedly made contact with the 30-year-old's representatives as Boehly looks to keep to his 'marquee' signing promise.
Whether or not Neymar jumps ship at the start of the Christophe Galtier regime remains to be seen, however. On Ronaldo, Chelsea have been 'labelled' the favourites to poach the United attacker who has asked the Glazers to release him from his contract if a suitable offer was to come in which would, in essence, extend his 20-season love affair with the UEFA Champions League.
The chances of both, who total £95m combined in current transfer value according to Transfermarkt, ending up at SW6 before the window slams shut on September 1 look slim but not impossible. In fact, there is probably more chance they both end up in the French capital together for 2022/23 as owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi looks to start on a clean slate in his long-term dream of trying to win the coveted Champions League title. Could he potentially satisfy Neymar to stay by granting PSG's No. 10 one of his biggest wishes?
"I want to play with Cristiano Ronaldo," the Brazil international told GQ back in May 2021. "I have already played with great players, like [Lionel] Messi and [Kylian] Mbappe, but I haven't played with Cristiano Ronaldo yet."
Chelsea fans- If Todd Boehly was able to sign both Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, how would you rate that transfer swoop out of 10? Leave us your scores in the comments section below!
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