Chelsea have been linked with a move for PSG attacker Neymar with the club looking to bolster their inexperienced forward line.
Tood Boehly has already sanctioned deals for attacking options this summer, with Nicolas Jackson arriving from Villarreal for a figure slightly over his £30.1m release clause, while Christopher Nkunku has completed a £52m move from RB Leipzig.
But there could be room for more with reports linking Mauricio Pochettino with a reunion with Neymar.
It would be spectacular to bring a player of Neymar’s quality and ability to Stamford Bridge and a real sign of intent from the hierarchy.
But given their recent spend and the profile of players they have been recruiting, it might not be a move that makes sense.
Should Chelsea sign Neymar?
Ignoring Kalidou Koulibaly given he’s now departed, the oldest player recruited for Chelsea over the last 12 months has been Raheem Sterling who was 27 at the time of his arrival.
The average age of signings thereafter has been 23 years old highlighting the drive to improve the side while looking ahead to the future.
At 31, Neymar seems a sidestep. He wouldn’t come cheap either given his profile and therefore if it doesn’t work out, Chelsea could be walking into a similar scenario with the likes of Koulibaly and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.
Then there’s his injury record and where he wants to play. The question will always be whether he’s physically capable of handling a tough Premier League schedule and considering the injuries he’s suffered in a much easier Ligue 1 over the years, it would be fair to assume he might struggle.
Then there’s the issue of where he plays. Can he play as a central forward? Or will he be moved to the left or right?
In the wide areas, Pochettino is particularly well-stocked with depth and youth and signing yet another big personality will only serve to shake the tree just a bit more.
