Chelsea Covet Cavani As Latest Addition To Cavalry

As far as transfer rumors go, this one’s going to be hard to kill.

(c)cdn-wac(dot)emirates247(dot)com_Edinson_Cavani_Napoli — Cavani – Soaking in the attention

Napoli’s official radio station recently broke news of Chelsea’s successful attempts at luring Edison Cavani away from the Italian side to the hungry plains of West London. Cavani, who has pleaded with his parents to stop fuelling rumors, was earlier linked with Madrid – allegedly, his preferred destination. But the combination of former Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez taking charge at Napoli, and a reported ai??i??8.5m per season plus image rights look to have proven to hard to resist.

Cavani whose fierce striking prowess saw him become the highest scorer in the Serie A, is expected to make Chelsea’s front line rival – at the very least – Manchester United and City when it comes to potency. The Uruguayan’s alleged addition calls into question Fernando Torres’ continued involvement with the club, especially with SchA?rrle having inked a deal with Chelsea too. As current point man, Torres has blown hot and cold, only achieving some semblance of first-rate performances after Rafa Benitez replaced Roberto di Matteo at Stamford Bridge. While Demba Ba, Chelsea’s winter purchase, harbors no illusions of his standing in the pecking order, Torres remains Chelsea’s chief striker.

With Cavani reportedly coming in, Torres’ options are limited. The Spaniard cannot function as a support striker as well as Ba, a poacher par-excellence, or Rooney – another name Chelsea has been linked with – can. He isn’t young enough to be Cavani’s understudy either, a roleAi??SchA?rrle will likely fulfill. Rather than Malouda his career rotting away on the bench, the former Liverpool striker would best serve his career moving to Napoli to join Rafa Benitez. Perhaps that may be what ultimately sweetened the deal between the Italian and English sides. It’s no secret that Cavani’s supposed departure leaves Napoli sorely needing a striker, and purchasing Torres on a bargain, in addition to half-a-million euros to splurge on another striker is just what the doctor ordered.

Chelsea Team — As terrifying a strike force as any

Up until a week ago, it was Spanish giants Real Madrid who were favored to sign Cavani. But it is likely the Spanish club refused to fork over what Chelsea were willing to pay, in light of the revelations that the Uruguayan international preferred them as his destination. With Aurelio de Laurentis – Napoli’s boss – known to be an astute bargainer Madrid were always running the risk of a premature celebration.

It’s no secret that Chelsea play their best football in Mourinho’s preferred 4-3-3 formation, andAi??assuming Torres is willing to fight Ramires, Ba or Moses for a spot on the right, he could find himself increasingly sidelined. That is unless Mourinho ships Demba Ba off to any weaker side in the Premier League that will have him. Torres may be the better and more generous passer but Cavani scores on two fronts that Mourinho prizes: battering-ram strength and willingness to drop deep and defend. Even if Mourinho uses the newfound wealth in Chelsea’s coffers – courtesy the mega-deal with Adidas – to bolster Chelsea’s traditional defensive-mindedness in midfield, he will prefer his strikers do a Drogbaesque shift.

Chelsea’s confirmed purchase from Bayer Leverkusen, Andre SchA?rrle, plays some of his best football drifting in from the left. When Chelsea encounter stubborn defenses, the likes of which Hazard et al are unable to penetrate, SchA?rrle can be trusted to do damage from long range using that terrific right foot of his.

Presuming Torres leaves, Chelsea’s front line would therefore likely comprise Hazard or SchA?rrle, Cavani and either Ba or Moses. That leaves Mata, Oscar, Ramires, Lampard, Essien and Mikel – if Galatasaray don’t land him – among others to fight it out for just 3 spots in midfield. With the exception of Juan Mata, and perhaps Frank Lampard, it’s hard to see how the others will get enough playing time to impress throughout the season. Reinforcements are also expected in defense, with Cahill, Azpilicueta, Terry, Luiz and Ashley Cole looking jaded last season.

Jose Mourinho may even opt for a diamond formation, similar to the one he employed in his early days at Porto FC. Back then, Deco formed the top of the diamond, while Derlei and Carlos Alberto led the offense. It isn’t hard to see how Juan Mata could play Deco’s role, while SchA?rrle and Cavani – if the rumors are true – lead the charge. Torres, if he chooses to stay, will then be reduced to playing bit-parts with Demba Ba.

A more attacking-minded 4-4-2, will utilize Hazard, Mata, Lampard and Oscar with the vice-captain expected to shoulder the defensive midfielder responsibilities. But with Mourinho known to prize defensive solidity over anything else, at most only 3 of these names will start together.

Tags: Cavani Chelsea FC Schurrle Torres

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