Paris Saint-Germain boss Emery hints at Neymar pursuit

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Unai Emery has heightened rumours that the Ligue 1 giants have made a world-record €222m bid for Barcelona star Neymar. 

Reports this week suggested the French outfit had triggered the Brazilian’s release clause in his contract and that a deal could be struck this summer that would see Neymar leave the La Liga giants for PSG. 

And speculation in Brazil suggests that the 25-year-old forward is prepared to accept PSG’s proposal and leave Camp Nou for the Parc des Princes. 

Neymar played a key role in Barcelona’s progression past PSG in the Champions League last season, despite losing the first leg in Paris 4-0, and Emery insists that the Ligue 1 side need to sign superstars of the Brazilian’s ilk to improve their chances of continental glory. 

"PSG wants the best players in the world, who are in the best clubs in the world," Emery told L'Equipe via Yahoo! Sport. 

"If we want to compete with Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid and win the Champions League, then PSG must have a player of the world top five. We are trying to get one signed this summer." 

"Neymar belongs to the top five in the world. The president and the club have been working for years to attract the best players.  

"The team, but also the fans, would be glad that there is a top five, six or seven player in addition to the already strong ones who are here.  

"This quest is not easy. Maybe we'll get there, maybe not."

Neymar was a star performer for Barcelona last season and gained a better WhoScored rating (8.52) than any other player in Europe's top five leagues.