Chelsea are set for one of their busiest transfer windows in recent years as they look to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League. But is it a window that could see Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar move to Chelsea?
Thomas Tuchel plans for the summer have been badly disrupted by the sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich, that restricted the club when it came to contract and transfer negotiations. But the consortium set to takeover from the Russian, led by billionaire Todd Boehly, will reportedly provide £200 million for summer business.
Defensive reinforcements will likely be the priority for Tuchel, with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso expected to depart this summer. But with 19 points between themselves and Manchester City, strengthening throughout will be needed to get Chelsea challenging, although the manager is aware that will not be easy.
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“We are hoping [to be back to normal] but at the moment we are not,” Tuchel said when asked about summer transfer plans. “You ask many times if we have a delay in approaching players and making plans, of course a huge delay. We are affected by it, players are going out. We are rebuilding, not improving the squad. We are rebuilding. This is always challenging but we are up for the challenge.”
A whole host of players have been linked with a move to the Bridge this summer, and another potential target has now emerged. In the wake of Kylian Mbappe’s contract extension at PSG, reports emerged via French outlet L'Equipe that the Ligue 1 champions are willing to sell Neymar this summer.
While there is no interest from Chelsea reported of yet, it would be a transfer that could bring an 'X factor' to the Blues, while reuniting the Brazilian with Tuchel, whom he played under in Paris. That could be a proposition that may tempt the 30-year-old, who has been full of praise for his former manager in the past.
Discussing his relationship with Tuchel back in 2019 to Canal+, he said: "It's a friendship but, at the same time, a huge mutual respect. I respect him as a coach but when we need to talk, we talk.
"I've developed a great affection towards him since the first time we spoke. When you have this great affection for your coach, you give your life on the pitch. For him I will do my best to win."
Whether that would be enough to tempt Neymar to London, or if the Blues have concrete interest in the winger, remains to be seen. However, he could be the spark needed in a struggling frontline.
