Chelsea have reportedly launched a massive £41.5m bid for PSG striker Edinson Cavani, but the Parisians are holding out for a figure much higher than the one offered by Chelsea. According to sources, PSG have quoted a price in the range of £66.5m which they hope will prove to be a deterrent for the prospective suitors.
Chelsea have already bolstered their attacking department this summer with the acquisition of Michy Batshuayi from Marseille for a reported fee of £33.2m. But the recent persistence from Atletico Madrid in trying to take Diego Costa back to Vicente Calderón have prompted Chelsea to turn back the clock and look towards their long-term target Edinson Cavani.
Chelsea have coveted Cavani for a long while now but have been unsuccessful in their attempts to prise him from the glitz and glamour of Paris. It is a known fact the Uruguay International did not fancy being in the shadow of Zlatan Ibrahimovic throughout their time together in France, despite the level of performance and commitment. But the asking price along with other factors have hindered the possibility of a move to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues had a disastrous last season which culminated in Jose Mourinho being sacked for a second time at the Bridge and a poor 10th place finish (which for a moment looked like being worse). Antonio Conte’s appointment has raised hopes of a revival and the former Italy boss has set a Top 4 finish as a realistic target for the upcoming year.
Having beefed up his midfield with the addition of last season’s stand-out performer N’Golo Kante and Batshuayi the team is already looking better equipped to achieve their targets this season. But the uncertainty surrounding Diego Costa’s situation at the club after Atletico Madrid publicly stated their desire to bring him back has got Chelsea looking for suitable replacements in case they fail to keep hold of the Spanish striker.
Now the big question. Is he the real solution? Cavani is considered as one of the world’s most fearsome strikers and with his finishing prowess along with his ability to keep hold of the ball makes him an enticing prospect for the Premier League. His physique and the fact he is an excellent header of the ball will help him make an impact in the English top-tier. Cavani (29) scored 28 times and assisted a further 4 goals in the league last year showing the form he is in.
Though, theoretically, it was assumed the exit of Ibrahimovic would extend his stay at the capital, the prospect of a new challenge and the one-horse race in the Ligue 1 might well tempt the player to move onto a new and better challenge. He is at his physical peak and having accumulated a lot of experience elsewhere, he could be a good addition to the Blues squad if he signs.
