The Blues have encounteRed a major snag in their attempts to sign Neymar from PSG this summer with the Brazilian opening up on his future with the star stating his preference to remain at Paris Saint-Germain this season despite reports linking him to a move away.
The 31-year-old idiosyncratic star continues to attract suitors from across the world even as he prepares to enter his sixth season in France. The advent of the new season sees a change in scenery at the Parc des Princes club with the departure of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, further complicated by the uncertain future of his other teammate Kylian Mbappe.
The French champions are in the middle of a squad overhaul while having already confirmed seven major additions including former Chelsea target Manuel Ugarte, Bayern Munich defender Lucas Hernandez as well as Xavi Simons, Milan Skriniar and Marco Asensio.
Having struck out again in the recent Champions League, PSG are doing all they can to find their balance and composure after having to quickly bring in their fourth manager since December 2020.
This is certainly not a scenario to cheer dismal spirits at the Parc des Princes club, most certainly not with the added plot of Neymar – now with only two years left on contract although with the option of a third – desperate to exit with a bang as he crosses the threshold into what would be the final peak seasons of his stellar career, despite being the perpetual victim of injuries plaguing him throughout his tenure at the Parisien club.
The Brazilian superstar is still in great demand and is not without his share of suitors despite being eclipsed to a certain degree by his teammate Kylian Mbappe in recent years, especially with an extensive injury record that has seen him miss 37 games since the start of the 2021/22 season. Now it is in the public domain that Chelsea have been consistently linked with the star, as time is already fast running out to secure in the transfer window.
The Blues’ co-owner Todd Boehly is said to have met with Neymar’s representatives during the World Cup and remain resolute on their objective of bringing in a true global star to Stamford Bridge to anchor the squad. The flamboyant American is supposed to have also worked with Mauricio Pochettino previously with reports suggesting that PSG would be open to selling the Brazilian national.
In fact Boehly reportedly held a secret meeting earlier this year with PSG over the potential transfer of Neymar this summer with the Parisiens open to offers for their attacker as the PSG owners are still largely unwilling to lose their grip on Mbappe despite the latter being set to move on next summer at the end of his contract but could yet be out much earlier with the club not willing to lose him for free in 2024 and will instead welcome bids this summer.
This has led to Neymar opening up on his plans, revealing his intention to remain at PSG.
“I hope to play this season at PSG, I have a contract with Paris,” he said in an interview with Brazilian YouTube channel Que Papinho. “So far, no one has told me anything [about leaving].”
“The process was very painful and it is very difficult, but I am trying to come back well,” he explained. “Obviously, winning is always part of the objectives, but I want to play well again, that’s the first thing.”
As for getting himself into the fold once more, he appreciates the struggle that might come with making it up to frustrated PSG fans but is welcoming the task. “I am calm, even if there is not much love between the supporters and the player. I will be there with or without love,” he said.