How Chelsea could line up with Neymar

James Shearman

Updated: 25 May 2022 19:10 BST
2 min read

Kylian Mbappe has re-signed with Paris Saint-Germain on a bumper contract, meaning Neymar could be on his way out as the Ligue 1 champions look to balance their books.

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Neymar was once the crown jewel at PSG, the capital club breaking the world transfer record when they acquired him from Barcelona for €222 million in 2017.

And, with 100 goals and 60 assists in 144 games in all competitions since, he remains a premium player.

But Mbappe is seven years Neymar's junior and has just been handed a massive deal by PSG to ward off interest from Real Madrid.

The team will be built around him, and Neymar could make way for playing and financial reasons.

Not many clubs could afford the winger, who until this week was the best-paid player at PSG after Lionel Messi.

However, Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea, under new ownership, appear to be the front-runners to take a punt on the injury-prone star this summer.

How Chelsea could line up with Neymar?

If Neymar were to arrive, he would join a growing list of attacking midfielders available to Tuchel.

Edouard Mendy will start in goal behind a first-choice back three of Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and imminent signing Jules Kounde.

Reece James will again feature at right wing-back, as well as Ben Chilwell as he has now recovered from a long-term injury.

Two of N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic will start in central midfield.

Tuchel could continue with the underperforming Romelu Lukaku, and the German will be hoping Neymar can help to get more out of the big centre-forward.

Mason Mount will take up the final spot in the front three.