Real Madrid are reportedly aiming at signing Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani, as they look to replace the departed Cristiano Ronaldo.
Reigning European champions Real Madrid are eyeing a potential swoop for PSG and Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani, as they seek replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo, as per reports from Spanish outlet Marca.
The 33-year old Portuguese international called an end to his time at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this summer, joining Italian champions Juventus in a shock €100 million transfer. And this has left Los Blancos scouring the market for a suitable replacement for the departed superstar.
Real were keen on signing another PSG star, Neymar, to fill in the giant vacancy left by Ronaldo’s exit, while a move for Neymar’s club teammate and World Cup’s Best Young Player Award winner Kylian Mbappe was mooted as well.
However, with both players ruling out an exit from the Parc des Princes, Madrid president Florentino Perez seems to have turned his attention towards their attacking partner Cavani.
Cavani was signed by PSG from Napoli for £55 million five years ago and the Uruguayan international has established himself as one of the most prolific goal-getters across Europe during his stint with the French capital club. Since moving to Paris, he has gone on to score 170 goals for the club, in 246 appearances, winning numerous titles and trophies.
The 2017-18 campaign saw the 31-year old net 40 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions, while setting up 11 more for his teammates. This was followed by an equally strong display in the summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia. The striker managed three goals in four matches in football’s biggest tournament, but an injury forced him out of the quarterfinal encounter against eventual champions France.
There have been signs of unrest between Cavani and Neymar since the Brazilian’s arrival in France last summer. And as per the reports, the striker is open to a move to Madrid. However, he remains a popular figure at PSG and enjoys a great relationship with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, and as a result would be reluctant to force through a transfer.
Ronaldo’s suprise departure has left a gaping hole in Madrid’s attack. And while Cavani might not exactly be of the same calibre as the 33-year old superstar, he could prove to be a great addition to the Merengues’ squad.
The Uruguayan’s natural goal-scoring abilities, combined with the creative presence of the likes of Isco, Marco Asensio, Gareth Bale etc., could turn the Madrid forward line into a lethal force. However, the Spanish capital club are understood to be reluctant to match the striker’s current salary of €12 million plus €2 million in bonuses per season.
Cavani has two more years left on his contract with Les Parisiens, but given that he is receptive to offers, Madrid should push forward with their attempts to sign him.
With his experience and track record, the Uruguayan should prove to be an effective replacement for Ronaldo, considering that the he was just four goals shy of the Portuguese’s tally last season and had outscored the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the 2016-17 season.
