Christophe Galtier hopes to keep Chelsea target Neymar at PSG

New Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has confirmed that he would like to keep Neymar at the club, despite speculation linking him with a move away.

Mauricio Pochettino’s 18-month stint in charge of PSG officially came to an end this month. During this time, he managed to get his hands on one Ligue 1 title and one Coupe de France, but failed to deliver the Champions League.

Galtier has arrived in his place, off the back of a fifth-place finish with Nice. One year earlier, he broke PSG’s stronghold on the Ligue 1 title, lifting the trophy with Lille.

One of the biggest questions of the Frenchman will be how he gets the best out of their star-studded frontline. Kylian Mbappe was sensational last season, but Lionel Messi and Neymar both underperformed somewhat. There have been suggestions that the latter could be let go this summer.

However, the 55-year-old has played down this idea, insisting that he has plans for the skilful Brazilian. As quoted by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Galtier said: “I want Neymar to stay here with us.

“He’s a world class player – all the managers in the world want top players like him. I’ve already got clear ideas on my plan for Neymar here at PSG”.

The forward came to France back in 2017 for a world-record fee from Barcelona. Since then, his spell at the Parc des Princes has been widely debated, with many viewing it as a waste of his incredible talent.

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In his five years in Paris, he has scored exactly 100 goals in 144 appearances in all competitions, helping his side to nine major trophies and a Champions League final. However, there is still an argument to be made that he hasn’t lived up to expectations, especially given that he was brought in to take them to European glory.

Neymar’s future has been discussed lately, with PSG’s representatives reportedly contacting new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly over a potential transfer this summer. The American took charge of the south-west Londoners in May, following the exit of previous owner Roman Abramovich.

The Blues are yet to make a senior signing this transfer window, but have been in the market for a winger. A deal for Leeds United’s Raphinha is apparently close, while England international Raheem Sterling has also been closely pursued.