SOCCER:THE BRAZIL forward Neymar has opened the door on a move to Chelsea by revealing he would relish the chance to play in London. The 19-year-old produced his latest impressive display for his country on Sunday, with the two goals that defeated Scotland at the Emirates Stadium, and has found the net three times in as many international appearances.
Chelsea have made little secret of their interest in the Santos player but have been put off by his price tag.
Last summer, they were quoted €25 million for Neymar’s services, since when he has signed a new contract.
Yet with Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, thought to be planning his latest spending spree at the end of this season, Neymar has offered the club hope of signing him.
Real Madrid and Italian teams have also been linked with him and Barcelona had a scout at Brazil’s game against Scotland.
When informed after that match that top European clubs were keeping a close eye on him, Neymar said: “I also want this level of team and I want to play in Europe.
“It is a dream which will come true but I don’t yet know when. It is up to Santos to decide. But here in London I could even walk in peace in the streets.”
The final comment suggested the level of scrutiny afforded to his every move at home may be a nuisance to Neymar.
“I am more Garrincha than Pele,” the teenager said in response to suggestions that he is already being compared to Brazil’s greatest player.
Neymar’s international team-mate David Luiz has moved to Chelsea and has encouraged the teenager to do likewise.
“I am very happy because I’m at one of the best teams in the world,” said the defender. “I would love it if Neymar came to Chelsea. He is going to be one of the best players in the world.”
One problem attached to a potential Chelsea move for Neymar relates to his circumstances in Brazil. Santos sold five per cent of Neymar’s future transfer fees to an investment company before the end of last year.
That third-party agreement is banned under English Football Association and Premier League rules, meaning it would have to be bought out in full by Chelsea for the player to be allowed to sign.
Reports also suggest Santos will sell their other prime asset, Ganso, to Internazionale this summer, lessening any need to cash in on Neymar.
Two of Scotland’s Premier League-based contingent have no doubt Neymar would revel in the English game.
Charlie Adam, the Blackpool captain, said: “He’s been linked with every top club in the country so it’s just a matter of time before he moves. With the quality he’s got, he would light up the Premier League.”
Wigan’s Gary Caldwell agreed. “He’s an outstanding talent,” he said. “His pace and movement caused us a lot of problems in the game.
“I’ve played against some good players and he has to be right up there with the best. Sometimes young players like that can be immature but he looks like a great talent. He could have the world at his feet.”
The police commander for the game at the Emirates has praised the conduct of Scotland supporters. A banana was thrown on to the field and Neymar claimed that he was racially abused by the crowd.
“The Scottish fans’ behaviour was first class,” said Mark Sheeran of the Metropolitan police. “There were no issues at all inside the stadium.”
Spokespeople for the Tartan Army and Scottish Football Association have strongly denied that Scotland supporters racially abused Neymar.
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