The Sun recently reported that the Blues were confident of capturing Neymar in a £23 million deal, with owner Roman Abramovich set to travel to Brazil to talk to the player personally. Chelsea have been chasing the striker for almost a year, and it seemed they may have finally been about to get their man.
But agent Wagner Ribeiro told Brazil Marca: “This is all speculation from Britain. It is absurd. In August Santos refused a proposal of €35 million, how is it that Roman Abramovich would now offer €26 million? It makes no sense and makes me laugh. He does not want to, and will not leave Santos.”
Neymar has helped Santos to reach the final of the Copa Libertadores, and Ribeiro added that his client was keen to stay and help them to win the competition. “He is happy and focused on the Libertadores,” he added. The striker scored the third of Santos’ goals in Wednesday’s 3-3 draw against Cerro Porteno.
His performances have attracted interest from all across Europe, which was noted by Ribeiro. “Of course he will arouse interest, that is just natural because of his performances on the field – but I guarantee there is no proposal for him. You have to pay €45 million for him, yet Santos have to want to sell and now Santos do not want to.”
