Neymar is one of three attacking transfer targets for Barcelona ahead of the summer window, reports say. The Brazil international wanted to return to the Nou Camp last year, after quitting for PSG back in 2017. But whether Barcelona can afford the superstar amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis remains to be seen.
Neymar spent last summer hoping to quit PSG for Barcelona, only for the La Liga giants to go after Antoine Griezmann instead.
Quique Setien’s side endured a troublesome domestic campaign, however, missing out on the title to fierce rivals Real Madrid.
Barcelona have been keen to distance themselves from talk of a move for Neymar, with the club currently tight on funds given the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Yet Sport say he is one of three attacking targets on Setien’s radar as the Catalan giants seek improvement next time out.
Neymar has been in fine fettle of late, shining in friendly victories over Le Havre and Celtic with PSG warming up for the resumption of their Champions League campaign.
But PSG would demand big money for their talisman and Barcelona, as a result, have others on their radar.
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The report lists Lautaro Martinez as a target, with the Inter Milan shining in Serie A this season.
And Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is another player in their sights, with his future in north London still up in the air.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has regularly stated he expects his captain to stay, despite the club being set to miss out on a place in the Champions League.
But who Barcelona end up going after remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, speaking recently, Brazil legend Juninho hit out at Neymar and accused him of being at PSG solely for the money.
“In Brazil we are taught to care only about money, but in Europe they have a different mentality,” the 45-year-old told The Guardian.
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“Unconsciously I made a career plan because I wanted to go to another big club in Brazil, and not to just play for sport.
“I was taught to go to who would pay me the most. That is the Brazilian way.
“Look at Neymar. He moved to PSG just because of money.
“PSG gave everything to him, everything he wanted, and now he wants to leave before the end of his contract. But now is the time to give back, to show gratitude.
“It’s an exchange, you see. Neymar needs to give everything he can on the pitch, to show total dedication, responsibility and leadership.
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“The problem is that the establishment in Brazil has a culture of greed and always want more money. This is what we were taught and what we learned.”
PSG star Ander Herrera has expressed doubt that Barcelona don’t have the finacial muscle to sign Neymar – just like Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe.
“Right now, no chance,” Herrera responded when asked about the possibility of Neymar and Mbappe moving to Spain by El Transistor.
“They seem very dedicated and happy, nothing to do with what is said.
“What’s more, I think neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona could handle a deal of this calibre in this situation, but I’m no economist and I’m not involved at either club.”
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