Chelsea enter five-way fight for Neymar
CHELSEA are among a quintet of European heavyweights to have entered the race for Brazilian sensation Neymar.
The 19-year-old Santos forward’s £40m release clause is believed to have has been met by Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Manchester City, Spanish giants Real Madrid and ambitious oil rich Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.
Neymar inspired Santos to victory in the Copa Libertadores – the South American equivalent of the Champions League – last week and although his club would prefer to keep hold of their prize asset, their president Luis Ribeiro admitted they were powerless to do so.
“We don’t want to sell the player but there is a release clause in his contract that can be paid,” he said.
“Five European clubs have offered to match the clause.
“I cannot name them because there is an agreement between Santos and the clubs but they are the most important clubs in Europe.
“They have asked to speak to the player and obviously we’ve allowed them to. The clubs have behaved ethically. They sought out Santos first and were willing to pay the clause.
“With this ethical approach, they can talk to anyone – with Neymar’s father, with his agent Wagner Ribeiro, and with the representatives of Neymar.”
Chelsea attempted to force through a deal to sign the player last year but Santos frowned upon the west London club’s aggressive tactics and the player remained in Brazil.
But Ribeiro added: “Last year, Chelsea’s attitude was different. Their first action was to seek out the player’s representatives.”
The capture of Neymar would represent a dramatic statement of intent from Chelsea’s new manager Andre Villas-Boas (inset), and could closely be followed by the exits of Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda.
The Ivory Coast striker has been heavily linked with a return to his former club Marseille while Malouda, another member of Chelsea’s over 30s brigade, is attracting the interest of a clutch of Italian clubs including both Milan sides and Roma.
NEYMAR | BRAZIL’S NEXT BIG THING
HE PLAYS LIKE…
Short, full of tricks and an eye for goal comparisons with Lionel Messi are not without substance. Although listed as a striker, Neymar is equally comfortable on the wing and would fit perfectly into the 4-3-3 inverted winger system Andre Villas-Boas is likely to employ at Chelsea.
CARRIES SOME BAGGAGE…
For one so young he already has a fairly lengthly list of black marks against his name. Pele has criticised him for diving, he was banned for two weeks last year after falling out with his Santos coach and last week caused a full scale punch up during the Copa Libertadores final.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING…
“I think that you have to focus on Neymar. He is a great player and the future of the green and gold ” – Double World Cup winner Ronaldo.