Chelsea could now miss out on the signing of Neymar to Al-Hilal as the Saudi Arabian side step up their pursuit of the Brazilian.
That is according to CBS Sports.
So, what is the latest on Chelsea and Neymar? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well – according to le10sport – Chelsea recently opened talks with PSG over a deal to sign Neymar.
It came after Julien Laurens told Sky Sports that the PSG No.10 would be open to joining the Blues, with ESPN adding that Stamford Bridge is the South American’s most likely destination.
Now – however – Chelsea face serious competition.
CBS Sports believe Al-Hilal are looking to become the latest Saudi Arabian side to make a marquee signing, after Al-Nassr landed Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Ittihad signed Karim Benzema.
It is said that senior representatives of Al-Hilal flew to Paris on Friday to speak about Neymar, and see whether he would be open to moving to the Saudi Pro League.
CBS Sports add that the 31-year-old can expect to earn a similar salary to Ronaldo if he makes the move. The Portugal international was handed £200m-a-year when he joined Al-Nassr in January.
It is also said that Al-Hilal would be willing to pay PSG a transfer fee of €45m (£38m) in order to strike a deal for Neymar.
Chelsea cannot compete with Neymar offer
In our view, a deal for Chelsea to sign Neymar is now highly unlikely.
The Blues simply cannot compete with a £200m-a-year salary offer, and that is before bringing the £38m transfer fee into account as well.
Of course, if Neymar decides he wants to continue playing in a top European league, a move to Chelsea could still be on.
However, if the Brazil international is open to joining Al-Hilal, there is no way Chelsea can afford to match the finances on offer.
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