Report: PSG, Chelsea bosses met to discuss potential Neymar deal

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly met in Paris on Tuesday to discuss a potential Neymar transfer, sources told Julien Laurens of ESPN.

The Brazilian forward, 30, was rumored to be available last summer as PSG looked to build around Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. Boehly was offered the chance to sign him at that time, Laurens adds, but a move never materialized as Chelsea splurged on other areas of need, primarily in defense.

Neymar’s wages likely played a role in that end result, too; he earns up to €30 million per season in the French capital, according to Laurens. Neymar’s current contract with the Ligue 1 leaders runs until 2027.

Neymar has been in fine form this season, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists in 19 Ligue 1 matches. His 22 goal involvements lead the league, two ahead of teammate Messi.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have just 23 goals in 22 Premier League matches this campaign. Since returning from the World Cup break, the Blues have six goals in 10 matches across all competitions.

In addition to the Brazilian star, Al-Khelaifi and Boehly also discussed Hakim Ziyech’s situation, Laurens added.

Ziyech’s proposed loan move from west London to Paris collapsed on deadline day of the recent January transfer window after Chelsea reportedly failed to file the necessary paperwork in time.