Chelsea are reportedly contemplating whether to make a formal approach for Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar.
The Blues have recently started their rebuilding process under Mauricio Pochettino, a result of their 12th-placed finish in the Premier League during 2022-23.
In an effort to stay within FFP guidelines, a bulk of sales will now be made, several believed to be in the pipeline with Chelsea's hierarchy keen to balance the books by June 30.
However, their alleged limitations have not prevented them from identifying their own targets, Chelsea having been willing to win the race for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte over the weekend.
PSG ultimately won that duel, Ugarte since having gone a medical ahead of his official unveiling, but it does not look like the one and only exchange between Chelsea and the Ligue 1 champions this summer.
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According to Le10Sport, Chelsea remain interested in negotiating what would be a complex deal for Neymar as they bid to make changes to their frontline.
The West Londoners have been linked with Neymar on more than one occasion in recent months, but the report now suggests that they are ready to discuss a transfer.
Previous claims have indicated that Manchester United are willing to do business with their PSG counterparts, boosted by being able to offer Champions League football which Chelsea cannot.
Nevertheless, Chelsea are seemingly the ones who have instigated the most recent contact with PSG officials as they bid to kick-start their summer business.
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Neymar endured a mixed 2022-23, not making an appearance since the middle of February due to a season-ending ankle injury that required surgery.
The 31-year-old still contributed 15 goals and 13 assists in France's top flight and the Champions League, though, and made a positive impact at the World Cup before Brazil's quarter-final exit.
Weeks after Neymar's house was targeted by PSG ultras, it is reported that PSG are open to the idea of selling Neymar this summer as they bid to improve their own FFP situation.
The size of any potential transfer fee remains unclear with PSG realistically having to find a compromise due to the player's age, injury issues and wage demands if they are to facilitate his exit from Parc des Princes.
Although he has spent six years in the French capital, Neymar has accumulated just 173 appearances, albeit still delivering 118 goals and 77 assists.
Darren Plant
