Neymar offers telling response to Arsenal question during exchange with Frank Warren
Neymar could soon be in the market for a new team with his contract with Al Hilal set to expire next summer and the Brazilian has previously admitted interest in a move to the Premier League
by Scott Trotter · The MirrorNeymar could only laugh when it was suggested he would complete a transfer to Arsenal.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star was in attendance for the blockbuster fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The forward, who now plays for Al Hilal after completing a £77million move in 2023, watched from ringside as Beterbiev was awarded a surprise decision to become undisputed light-heavyweight champion.
The 32-year-old was seen alongside boxing promoter Frank Warren, founder of Queensberry, and the pair appeared firm friends during a brief interview in front of cameras. Warren attempted to switch sports for a moment in a bid to facilitate a deal for Neymar.
The Arsenal fan claimed that Brazil's record goalscorer could finally make a move to the Premier League. The 72-year-old was keen to see Neymar join the Gunners, and suggested Mikel Arteta needed the star.
"This is the man, he’s coming to England," said Warren in front of cameras. "He’s going to play for Arsenal."
Neymar smiled in response before laughing, prompting Warren to add: "We need you, we need you."
The Brazilian then offered a brief reply: "I’m back, I’m back."
Neymar recently returned to training as he continues to recover from his anterior cruciate ligament injury. The Santos product has managed just five matches for Al Hilal after rupturing his ACL during Brazil's 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Uruguay 12 months ago.
The 2015 Champions League winner is already in the final year of his contract with the Saudi side however, after signing a two-year £2.5million-a-week deal. Al Hilal boss Jorge Jesus is not anticipating Neymar returning to action until 2025, though the pair are said to have a frosty relationship.
Neymar has previously expressed his appreciation for the Premier League and noted he would like to play in the division. Arsenal were a team that he said were of interest.
"The Premier League is a championship that amazes me," he said, speaking in 2017, "I like the playing style and the teams.
"And who knows? Someday, I would like to play [in] it, yes. I admire Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool - these are the teams that are always there fighting."
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