Cavani Speaking to City and Madrid

Cavani

Chelsea have fallen behind in the race to sign Europe’s hottest property Edinson Cavani as Manchester City and Real Madrid have emerged as the main contenders.

The signature of the Napoli striker has been hotly contested all summer but it appears City and Madrid have stolen a march on the West Londoners - according to the Uruguayan’s Mother.

Returning Blue’s boss Jose Mourinho has made it clear he is looking to bolster his attacking options with the recent capture of Bayer Leverkusen’s Andre Schurrle for £20million. With Fernando Torres’ future at the club in doubt amid interest from Barcelona the hunt for Cavani was stepped up with a formal bid to Napoli president Aurelio Di Laurentiis.

The Serie A side claim they rejected a £43m bid from Chelsea as they are seeking the full £53m which would trigger Cavani’s release clause.

Speculation is rife regarding the 26-year-old attacker’s future, but Cavani’s mother, Berta, has told a Uruguayan radio station: “Edi is dealing with Real Madrid and City.

“Napoli president De Laurentiis has spoken with Chelsea, but so far there is nothing concrete.”

She added: “In two or three weeks we will know Edinson’s future. As soon as we know something concrete you will be the first to know.

“In any case, I assure you Edinson loves Naples and if he has to go, he will never forget the love and affection of the people and fans here.”

Earlier in the week Cavani hinted that a transfer to Spain might not be his most suitable destination sounding out a potential move to the Premier League instead.

Although City and Madrid appear ahead at this stage there is still plenty of time for the charismatic Mourinho to convince the Uruguayan to make the move to West London.

It is believed that new Napoli boss Rafa Benitez – who left Chelsea last month after steering them to the Europe League and Champions League qualification – is keen to use the money from any possible transfer to bring in players of his choice rather than any player-exchange.

For the time being however, Cavani is away with the national side as they begin their Confederations Cup challenge in Brazil later this week.

Barcelona Consider Torres Swoop

Torres

Despite the desperate need for a defender or two, it appears Barcelona are ready to swoop for another attacker this summer.

Reports in Spain have emerged that the Catalan club are readying a shock move for the Chelsea forward Fernando Torres.

Catalan daily newspaper Sport claims that Barcelona are contemplating a £17million bid for the 29-year-old former Liverpool hit man.

Having already added Brazilian star Neymar to their ranks, Tito Vilanova is looking to inject another 20 goals a season into the team, something Sport reports is a ‘guarantee’ with Torres.

However, the Spanish International is not viewed as a regular starter but more a replacement for the outgoing David Villa who has been linked with a move away from Barcelona with both Arsenal and Spurs lying in wait.

The aging striker is seen as a useful super-sub and the hope is that he can make a similar impact to that of Henrik Larsson, who became a huge hit for the Catalan side with his impressive performances from the bench.

Serie A side Napoli had been the most touted destination for Torres as he could be used in a part-exchange to tempt the Italian side to allow Edinson Cavni to move in the opposite direction. 

It is clear that returning Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is keen to bolster his forward line and in spite of Torres pledging his allegiance to Chelsea, the feeling may not be mutual.

Torres told Sky Sports: “I’m looking forward to the chance of working with Jose [Mourinho].

“It is the same every summer, there is talk and rumours ever day.

“When I signed for Chelsea I signed for five-and-a-half years and I want to be here for all of that.”

Torres is currently travelling the Spanish national team ahead of the Confederations Cup in Brazil. Mourinho is expected to hold talks with the striker on his future upon his return later this month.

Cavani Casts Doubt on Spain Move

Edinson Cavani

Napoli striker Edison Cavani has hinted that a transfer to Spain may not be his most suitable destination sounding out a potential move to the Premier League instead.

The Uruguayan hotshot has been incessantly linked with a move away from Serie A this summer and with a reported £53 million buy-out clause built into his current contract, the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City are thought to be considering bids.

Speculation is rife regarding the 26-year old attacker’s future and a possible move to Real Madrid looked to be imminent when reports claimed that the Bernabeu outfit had made an offer.

According to several news outlets Madrid had offered a substantial fee plus Arsenal target Gonzalo Higuain in return for the Uruguayan.

Cavani, who is currently on duty with his country at the Confederations Cup in Brazil, seemed unsure that Spain, would be the right place for him.

He said: “I don’t know if Spanish football suits me.

“Football there is wonderful as everyone knows, you have more freedom, but I don’t know what will happen.”

Cavani was the top scorer in Serie A last season notching 29 goals in 34 games. His clinical finishing prowess has made him the hottest attacking property in Europe, particularly attracting the interest of Chelsea.

Rumours circulated recently that the blues had made a £34.1 million plus Fernando Torres for the forward but it was swiftly rejected by Napoli.

For the time being, Cavani has his eyes firmly set on the task at hand with the Confederations Cup and he will have the opportunity to face the likes of Spain, Mexico, Italy and Brazil among others – a chance to further impress potential suitors.

Talking about the Confederations Cup, Cavani said: “I don’t know if Spain are the favourites. What I know is that they are a very good team; they are World Champions.

“For us to get on to the pitch and be part of these kinds of games will be something to be proud of.”