• Premier League

Report claims Chelsea have struck Cavani deal

ESPN staff
June 25, 2013
Is Edinson Cavani finally about to leave Napoli? © PA Photos
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Napoli have accepted a €58 million (£49.5m) offer for striker Edinson Cavani to join Chelsea, local station Radio Marte claimed on Monday night.

Radio Marte, Napoli's official radio station, made a statement citing a "very reliable source" who confirmed a deal has been struck to send Cavani to Stamford Bridge for €8.5 million a season.

The statement read: "We have received news in the office from a very reliable source that Napoli have sealed a deal with Chelsea for Cavani's sale.

"Rafa Benitez also gave the all-clear, but before making the move official Napoli want to secure the striker who will replace Il Matador.

"Aurelio De Laurentiis' club will pick up around €58 million, a slight discount on the buy-out clause, which is the same situation as Ezequiel Lavezzi to PSG last year. The player will earn €8.5 million per season plus image rights."

Reports on Saturday suggested Real Madrid were the frontrunners for Cavani's signature after Manchester City refused to pay the release clause demanded by Napoli.

But Chelsea could finalise the deal in the coming weeks, provided Benitez can find a suitable replacement for Cavani.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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