S.S.C. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed Chelsea are interested in highly-rated Uruguay international striker Edinson Cavani, ESPN understands.
Cavani, 26, has been linked with a summer move away from the Stadio San Paolo in recent months, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid reportedly interested in the Uruguayan talisman.
Newly-appointed Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wants to bolster the Blues’ strike-force this summer, and Cavani is atop his transfer wishlist, according to reports.
De Laurentiis, who attempted to sign highly-rated A.S. Roma duo Erik Lamela and Marquinhos earlier this year, expects to hold talks with Chelsea regarding the long-future of Cavani, who has a €63 million release clause in his current contract, in the “next few hours.”
Meanwhile, De Laurentiis has revealed Napoli’s transfer budget will be decided by Financial Fair Play rules.
“The budget for the transfer market will be based in relation to the Financial Fair Play rules,” De Laurentiis told Radio Marte.
“If Cavani is sold then I’ll reinvest all of the €63 million of his rescission clause. There is interest from Chelsea in Cavani, they’ll call me in the next few hours.
“I’ll be delighted if he stays, but if he leaves then he will be adequately replaced.”
Cavani tallied 38 goals and five assists in 43 appearances across all competitions for the Partenopei last season.
In other news, De Laurentiis has ruled out the sale of Colombia international Juan Camilo Zúñiga amid reported interest from FC Internazionale Milano and Juventus, insisting he will not sell the 27-year-old, “not even for €25 million.”
Cabaye open to Man Utd move
France and Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye has revealed he would relish the chance to join English Premier League champions Manchester United this summer, Sky Sports reports.
Cabaye, 27, is reportedly attracting interest from Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain as well as Manchester United, with David Moyes reportedly keen on bolstering the Red Devils’ midfielder when the transfer window reopens in July.
When asked if he would be open to joining Manchester United, Cabaye told Canal+: “Yes, of course. I’ve liked this club for a long time, I like what they do.
“The boss has left but they have appointed a very good successor and he did some good things with Everton.
“They are always well played among the big clubs. Yes, for sure, it would be an interesting challenge.”
Cabaye bagged six goals and two assists in 26 league appearances for the Magpies last season.
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