EPL: Anelka speaks on Neymar leaving PSG for Chelsea

Former Paris Saint-Germain striker, Nicolas Anelka, has backed Neymar to stay with the club, amid transfer rumours linking him with a move to join Chelsea this summer.

Neymar has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, with PSG now keen to listen to offers for the 30-year-old in the region of €90 million.

The Brazilian forward, who joined the French Ligue 1 champions from Barcelona in a record-breaking €222 million deal in 2017, has failed to live up to expectations in Paris.

With injuries plaguing him season after season, his importance at the Parisians has diminished over time, more so since the arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.

Speaking to RMC Sport (via Paris Fans), Anelka sympathized with Neymar, insisting that the player cannot leave the club this summer.

He said: “I like Neymar a lot; it’s complicated. To criticize him, I find it very easy.

“He doesn’t have such bad statistics. The big downside is his injuries. In my opinion, this is the season when he must wake up.”

He added: “He can’t leave like this. He certainly has to do better, but I’m sure he will be a hit with PSG next season. I have always defended him. He is a very talented player. I love watching him play football. He is one of the few today who can do extraordinary things on the pitch.”