Chelsea approached Brazil superstar's representatives during FIFA World Cup in Qatar to discuss potential transfer - Reports
Chelsea reportedly approached Brazil forward Neymar's representatives during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Egbali flew to Qatar to meet agents and representatives to build a good rapport with football business people.
Neymar is currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain, and his contract automatically gets renewed in the summer till 2025. The 30-year-old represented Brazil at the FIFA World Cup, managing two goals and an assist in three games. However, the Selecao made a heartbreaking exit in the quarterfinals, losing 4-2 to Croatia on penalties.
Que Deus nos abençoe e nos proteja 🙏❤️🇧🇷 https://t.co/0VMA5AJqtb
Neymar was previously linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the summer when doubts grew over his future at the Parc des Princes.
El Pais reports that the Brazilian was open to moving to West London, with a loan deal touted in the summer. This season, he has been in scintillating form following the uncertainty over his situation at PSG. He has made 20 appearances across competitions, finding the net on 15 occasions and contributing 12 assists.
Chelsea are in need of attacking reinforcements, considering their poor start to the season in front of goal. Graham Potter's side signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona for £10 million and Raheem Sterling from Manchester City for £47.5 million.
However, Aubameyang has netted just three goals and contributed one assist in 12 appearances. Sterling, meanwhile, has managed just five goals and two assists in 19 games.
Chelsea to prioritise signing of Croatia's FIFA World Cup rising star Josko Gvardiol
Gvardiol was a standout performer for Croatia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and was key in their victory over Brazil in the quarterfinals.
The RB Leipzig defender made seven appearances, scoring one goal and helping the Vatreni keep three clean sheets. The 20-year-old has quickly become Europe's most sought-after young defender, with Chelsea joined by Manchester City and Real Madrid for his signature.
Joško Gvardiol's 2022 World Cup by numbers:
90% pass accuracy
48x possession won
37 clearances (most)
19 duels won
11 interceptions
9 tackles
4 blocks
2 shots
1 goal
Croatia's youngest ever scorer at the World Cup. #Vatreni https://t.co/YPtr3iploc
According to transfer expert Dean Jones, the Blues are looking to prioritise the signing of Gvardiol. He told GIVEMESPORT that Gvardiol's FIFA World Cup performances are bound to lead to Potter's side accelerating their pursuit of the player:
"On the back of his FIFA World Cup performances, this is the time to accelerate talks with Gvardiol, not find an alternative. "
Jones added:
"As far as I understand, that is exactly what’s happened. Chelsea are looking to get this Gvardiol deal sealed as soon as they possibly can.”
Gvardiol has five years left on his contract with Leipzig and is believed to be valued at €100 million (£88 million). He has made 19 appearances across competitions, scoring once and helping the Bundesliga side keep eight clean sheets.