How Chelsea could line up with Neymar

James Shearman

Updated: 1 Jul 2022 15:46 BST
3 min read

Chelsea's failure to sign Raphinha could pave the way for a shock move for Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar.

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Raphinha has little interest in signing for Thomas Tuchel's side as long as a move to Barcelona is a possibility.

So, the Chelsea hierarchy, fronted by American billionaire Todd Boehly, could turn their attentions to Neymar's precarious situation at PSG.

The 30-year-old is ready to leave PSG, according to ESPN, after learning that the Ligue 1 club are happy to let him go.

The Parisian club's president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, claimed that the era of “bling-bling” is over at Parc des Princes in an interview last week.

So, with a move to Stamford Bridge now possible, how could Tuchel's Chelsea lineup with Neymar?

How Chelsea could line up with Raphinha

In goal, Edouard Mendy should continue – he’s been a trusted figure under Thomas Tuchel, so there’s no reason to make a change this summer.

Defence is where the biggest changes will be seen, as Tuchel’s backline needs a rebuild following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

Thiago Silva is still an excellent leader at the back and has plenty more to give, even at 37.

Trevoh Chalobah was trusted upon several times by Tuchel over the course of the 2021-22 season, so he is likely to receive more opportunities.

And, captain Cesar Azpilicueta has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him in the team until new players are brought in.

The Blues are expected to sign at least one centre-back in the transfer market, with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Jules Kounde and Kalidou Koulibaly all heavily linked.

Goodbye Raphinha, hello Neymar? 👋https://t.co/mJdd4CspiX
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) July 1, 2022

On either side of the defence, Reece James and Ben Chilwell – who is set to return after a long injury lay-off – should occupy the wing-back spaces in this 3-4-3.

In midfield, World Cup winner N’Golo Kante could partner Mateo Kovacic, who has been excellent in recent seasons.

Mason Mount has been appreciated several times by Tuchel over the course of the German’s tenure, so he should continue in the team.

On the left, Neymar would occupy his most natural role, one which he returned a remarkable number of goal contributions in under Tuchel at PSG.

Finally, Kai Havertz had a better second season at Stamford Bridge, and has been leading the line quite often for club and country, so that should be his position secured.