With PSG reportedly aiming to sell Neymar, one club linked with the Brazilian superstar has been—surprise, surprise—Manchester City. However, is there any truth to these transfer rumors? Manager Pep Guardiola tackled these claims head on ahead of his side's upcoming friendly against Club America.
Despite being the world's most expensive player and the signing that kicked off the club's controversial spending spree, several reports coming out of France suggest that the Ligue 1 champions wish to get rid of the Selecao ace. His professionalism and commitment to the Parc des Princes project are allegedly the driving force behind this decision while other outlets tout Kylian Mbappe and their deteriorating relationship as another cause.
However, given that the former Santos sensation is one of the world's highest-paid players, not many clubs can afford the 30-year-old. Chelsea, one of the richest teams in world football, have been touted as a possible destination, albeit loosely, while Les Parisen report that PSG have offered the South American attacker to Manchester City.
This rumor was posed to Guardiola during his press conference ahead of their pre-season showdown with Club America and while the Spanish tactician hailed Neymar as incredible, Pep unequivocally refuted this claim and denied that his side are interested in bringing the Brazilian to the Etihad Stadium.
"I am so sorry for Le Parisien, but it is not true," Guardiola said, as per Goal.
"I am sorry for them because the information they have received is false. Neymar is an incredible player and by my information, he is a nice guy. Let him express himself at Paris.
"Manchester City bought 150 players every summer, and it is not true. I am sorry for Neymar, of course."
The consensus is that PSG are open to selling if a club comes in with the right offer, and given that newly-appointed head coach Christophe Galtier openly admitted to being excited to work with Neymar, the former Barcelona man could easily remain in the French capital this summer.
As for Manchester City, they have made four first-team signings so far, adding Julian Alvarez, Kalvin Phillips, Stefan Ortega, and—most importantly—Erling Haaland to the squad over the summer. However, they won't stop there as the recent departure of Zinchenko to Arsenal will speed up their pursuit of Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella.
