Chelsea FC preparing £35m bid for Edinson Cavani – report

Chelsea are reportedly preparing to launch a £35million bid for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani. Chelsea are keen on bringing in a world-class forward before the summer transfer window closes next week to replace Didier Drogba, who left Stamford Bridge at the end of last season. Di Matteo has already spent over £65million this summer on the likes of Oscar, Eden Hazard, and Marko Marin, and is believed to be close to completing deals for Marseille right-back Cesar Azpilicueta and Wigan winger Victor Moses, who together will likely cost in the region of £15m. But a striker remains a priority for the Blues, and according to The Sun, Di Matteo will offer £35m for Cavani, who earlier this summer admitted he was interested in playing in the Premier League. Hulk is also still on Chelsea’s radar, but it is believed the Uruguayan would be the cheaper option as Porto continue to hold out for over £40m for their prize asset. Bayer Leverkusen forward Andre Schurrle is another option, but according to reports on Tuesday, that deal may not be able to go ahead until next summer (see Related Articles). According to Wednesday’s report, Chelsea will hold talks with officials from both Napoli and Porto in Monaco next week at the draw for the Champions League group stages. Speaking on Tuesday, Di Matteo had said: “I don’t know if there will be new arrivals. We’re probably a bit light in attacking positions.” Bookmakers Sky Bet on Tuesday made Chelsea the huge odds-on favourites to win the race to sign 25-year-old Cavani, ahead of Premier League rivals