Neymar's Reported Love of London Could Trigger Switch to Chelsea or Arsenal

Real Madrid's pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar could be complicated by the Brazilian's reported love of London, with Chelsea and Arsenal possible destinations.

Jack Wilson of the Daily Express reported the forward has an ongoing interest in the English capital, and might favour a switch to Stamford Bridge or the Emirates Stadium if he departs Paris.

Wilson quoted a source close to Neymar who said:

"He loves England—but mainly London. He has been there three or four times in the last 12 months. He says there is always something about London.

The last time he kept ringing me up and begging me to join him because he loved it so much. He kept saying 'this place is amazing, this place is amazing'. He just loves London."

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Sabrina Belalmi of Goal reported in May the player was "desperate" to leave PSG and make a return to La Liga with the current UEFA Champions League holders. Neymar's representative, Pini Zahavi, reportedly met with Los Blancos president Florentino Perez on May 13 as a potential deal was discussed.

However, the latest reports suggest Neymar could be tempted to the Premier League if he becomes available on the open market.

Chelsea and Arsenal would be the only realistic options if Neymar wanted to live in London, but if he was willing to venture outside of the capital, Manchester United or Manchester City could accommodate his fee and wages.

It is unlikely the Gunners would consider a massive outlay to reunite Neymar with former PSG coach Unai Emery, who recently replaced Arsene Wenger as the Arsenal manager.

This would leave Chelsea as the primary candidate to tempt the forward to London.

The Blues are desperate to find their next superstar, and with the long-term future of Eden Hazard still uncertain, there could be an automatic place waiting for Neymar at the Bridge.

However, Madrid will remain the overwhelming favourite to capture the Brazil icon if he leaves Ligue 1, as Perez contemplates who will be the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo's throne at the Bernabeu in the years to come.