European champions Real Madrid are reportedly planning a late move to try and sign Uruguayan goal machine Edinson Cavani from PSG.
As per reports from Spanish publication Don Balon, Real Madrid are set to make a last-gasp bid to lure Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani to Santiago Bernabeu before the transfer window closes.
Having lost their star man Cristiano Ronaldo this summer to Juventus, Los Blancos have been in the market for a new big name addition to their attack.
The reigning European champions were understood be gunning to sign another of PSG’s stars, Neymar, as a direct replacement, while teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe was also on their radars. Chelsea’s Belgian wing-wizard Eden Hazard had also been strongly linked with a move to the Spanish capital all summer.
However, after having been rebuffed in their advances for the aforementioned trio, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is reportedly eyeing a move for Cavani in order to boost up his side’s attacking ranks.
Real Madrid, despite their shock defeat to neighbours Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup, have begun their La Liga campaign without any hiccups. Under new manager Julen Lopetegui, the Merengues have notched up two wins in two league games, with Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema making a strong impression.
However, Perez remains eager to fill the gaping hole left by Ronaldo’s shock departure and sees Cavani as the right fit to replace the Portuguese maverick.
The 31-year old joined PSG from Napoli in 2013 for £55 million and has since gone on to establish himself as one of the most prolific goal-getters across Europe. Since moving to Paris, Cavani has bagged 171 goals and set up 31 more in 247 appearances, winning numerous titles and trophies.
Coming on the back of a strong showing in the summer’s FIFA World Cup with Uruguay, where he scored thrice in four matches, Cavani kicked off the new campaign with PSG with a goal on his first appearance of the season against Angers this past weekend.
While PSG outright rejected Real Madrid’s approaches for Neymar and Mbappe, the club are more receptive to an offer for Cavani. The French champions value their all-time top goalscorer at €100 million. However, Real are unwilling to meet that valuation, with Perez offering an €80 million package, that would include €20 million in variables.
Cavani might not exactly be of the same calibre as Ronaldo, but the 31-year old has what it takes to fill in the giant shoes left vacant by the Portuguese captain. He was just four goals shy of Ronaldo’s tally last season and had outscored the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the 2016-17 campaign.
If Los Blancos manage to complete the transfer, it could prove to be a great signing. Despite his age, Cavani looks in great shape and has the requisite experience at the topmost level to make a telling impact. His arrival would also take some goal-scoring burden off of Bale’s shoulders as well.
However, with the transfer window about to close in less than a week, Real will have to act fast if they are to secure the Uruguayan international’s signing.
