Chelsea FC target Edinson Cavani close to agreeing new deal – report

Edinson Cavani (credit: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, who is a target for Chelsea and Juventus, is reportedly close to signing a new contract complete with a €50million buy-out clause.

Chelsea and Juve are both keen on bringing in a world-class forward before the summer transfer window closes on Friday night, with the Blues looking to replace Didier Drogba, who left Stamford Bridge at the end of last season.

Manchester City are also believed to be keen on signing the Uruguay international, but according to Sky Sports Italia, the forward is close to agreeing a contract extension at the Stadio San Paolo which would see him valued at €50m.

Reports last week had suggested Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo, who has already spent around £80million this summer, was ready to offer around €35m for Cavani, who earlier this summer admitted he was interested in playing in the Premier League.

Based on Monday afternoon’s report coming out of Italy, the west London outfit would have to seriously increase their valuation of the player if they are to stand any chance of a deal going through this week.

Di Matteo is also still believed to be keen on Porto striker Hulk.

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta at the weekend confirmed his interest in Cavani, telling Mundo Deportivo: “We want a striker in the style of Edinson Cavani or [Fernando] Llorente, who are our primary targets along with Edin Dzeko.”

At time of writing, bookmakers Sky Bet make Man City the odds-on favourites to sign Cavani should he be on the move this week, ahead of Chelsea and Juve.

The summer transfer window closes at 23:00 BST on Friday.