Neymar saga close to its conclusion
The transfer saga surrounding superstar Neymar may reach its conclusion within the week as reports emerged that he had informed Barcelona of his decision to leave. It was also reported that Paris Saint Germain would pay his buyout clause -- a record-shattering 222 milllion euros -- in the next few days.
On Saturday Neymar and Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu had a much-anticipated meeting in New Jersey, but reports indicate that it did not go well as the Brazilian made his intentions to leave crystal clear. According to AS, the meeting lasted just under 15 minutes before Bartomeu stormed out of the room with a scowl on his face.
However, Barcelona players and manager Ernesto Valverde have put on a brave face and have been publicly backing the 25-year-old. Nobody in the club wants the Brazilian to leave and it is reported that Luis Suarez was first to personally speak to Neymar in the US and each member of the squad has been taking turns trying to convince him.
Nevertheless, it is reported that Neymar has been quiet since returning to training and his teammates have gotten the impression that they cannot change his mind. PSG also have more pull as the four Brazilians in their squad are reportedly key to Neymar's desires to move to the club from the French capital.
Valverde on Saturday spoke about his team's love for Neymar, but conceded he did not know what the future held.
"This is a time of rumours, we understand that, but Neymar is with us and he is a player that we love a lot for his football and for what he brings to the dressing room," he told reporters. "I have not spoken with him about his future, we have talked about tactical questions. We count on him absolutely."
On the other hand reports have emerged that Barcelona have accepted that they will lose out on their Brazilian superstar and are targeting Juvetus' Argentine sensation Paulo Dybala.
It was reported that Dybala has an agreement in place with the Old Lady that would allow him to fulfil a dream and link up with Lionel Messi for 110-120 million euros.
However, the Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says he that he is not fearful of losing Dybala, but even he did not seem too sure of his answer.
"I am not worried about losing Dybala," said Allegri on Saturday. "On the other hand I do not know what is happening between Neymar and PSG, and so I do not know whether it will be the case that Barcelona will need to buy a replacement. This is something that I cannot control and so I am not worried about."
Neymar may be even more drawn to the Parc des Princes as PSG grow increasingly confident of signing Alexis Sanchez after holding talks with the Arsenal forward in the French capital.
The Chilean has less than 12 months to run on his existing deal at the Emirates and although Arsene Wenger has publicly insisted he is not for sale, there is an acceptance from the Gunners that they can do little to prevent Sanchez's departure if he pushes to leave.
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