Gustavo Poyet has warned Chelsea off buying Neymar this summer, saying the Brazilian would struggle to adapt to life in the Premier League.
The 30-year-old has been linked with a move away from Paris Saint-Germain during the current transfer window, with the French club open to letting him go.
The Blues have been linked with a blockbuster move for the striker, and his compatriot Thiago Silva has urged Neymar to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.
However, Poyet does not think that would be a good idea for his former side, nor does he think the transfer will happen this year.
’ shouldn’t try to sign Neymar,’ Poyet told . ‘I think he will stay at PSG. I think after [Kylian] Mbappe announced he was staying and with their ambition to try and win the , I can’t see him leaving.
‘I don’t think he would adapt quickly to English football with how physical it is. I can’t see him joining Chelsea.’
Chelsea have been linked with a number of attacking talents and Poyet reckons it is Ousmane Dembele they should be prioritising, although admits there are significant doubts over the forward’s fitness.
The 25-year-old is available on a free transfer after failing to agree a new contract with Barcelona, although his time with the Catalan giants has not exactly been a success.
‘Chelsea should prioritise Dembele but the club will be having doubts about his fitness. Barcelona paid a lot of money for him and didn’t use him as much as expected,’ said Poyet.
‘We all know what he can do and how important he could be, but there’s a question mark around him.’
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