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Barcelona and PSG hit stalemate over Neymar

By Ernesto Hernandez

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar reacts at the end of the French Trophy of Champions football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Rennes (SRFC) at the Shenzhen Universiade stadium on August 3, 2019. - Representatives of FC Barcelona went on August 13, 2019 to France to discuss with those of Paris of a possible return to Barça of the Brazilian star Neymar without the file changing significantly. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar reacts at the end of the French Trophy of Champions football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Rennes (SRFC) at the Shenzhen Universiade stadium on August 3, 2019. - Representatives of FC Barcelona went on August 13, 2019 to France to discuss with those of Paris of a possible return to Barça of the Brazilian star Neymar without the file changing significantly. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona’s talks with PSG regarding Neymar advancing slowly with a few offers already rejected.

A Barcelona contingent traveled to Paris in order to begin talks with PSG over a potential transfer of Neymar. Talks reportedly were amicable but an agreement is nowhere close. The Catalans have presented the Parisian side a few offers but none have impressed PSG. In fact, a proposed one-year loan with a mandatory option to buy has already been rejected.

According to Diario Sport, PSG initially asked for Philippe Coutinho, Nelson Semedo, a third player on loan, and €100 million. To no one’s surprise, Barcelona balked at this offer. The inclusion of Semedo appears to be the deal-breaker here as the club do not want to sell the Portuguese right-back as he is likely to be the team’s right-back come the start of the season.

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ESPN’s Julien Laurens reports that the Blaugrana countered the initial offer with Coutinho, Ivan Rakitic, and €80 million. He also reports that the first meeting between the two sides left PSG quite irked as the offer made by Barcelona was nowhere near what they wanted.

Regardless, Sport also reports that the club are “cautiously optimistic” that a deal can be reached. They believe that they have reached a consensus in terms of the players PSG would accept and believe that they highly value both Coutinho and Rakitic. The big hang-up, as it was always going to be, is the amount of money PSG are looking to obtain. Barcelona believe the €100 million is too high given how Neymar’s two years have gone in Paris.

While there is optimism on Barcelona’s part, what could derail this negotiation is the disapproval of the players the club have offered. Ivan Rakitic has long remained steadfast in his desire to stay at the club despite the arrival of Frenkie de Jong. He has mentioned time and again at how happy he is in Spain and that he has no problems in fighting for a staring spot.

However, Philippe Coutinho seems like he would not oppose a move to PSG as he knows he’s become surplus to requirements with the arrival of Antoine Griezmann. Mundo Deportivo report that should he move to PSG, he will still earn close to the wage he earns at Barcelona and will be reunited with Brazil teammates, Thiago Silva and Marquinos. Coutinho knows that his options are growing slimmer by the moment. He rejected a move to the Premier League and his market is thin as well given the amount the club want to recuperate and the aforementioned wages.

Next. Its destination Bavaria for discarded Barcelona superstar. dark

The two sides are set to meet again for another round of negotiations. But the Spanish champions won’t be the only team on the table. Real Madrid will also be pulling up a seat as they attempt to lure the Brazilian to the Santiago Bernabeu and away from their fiercest rival.

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